Determining respiratory or circulatory health condition in animals for improved management

ABSTRACT

A method and system for managing at least one animal is disclosed. The method can include imaging, such as ultrasound imaging, a lung of a live animal, such as a ruminant or bovine. The imaging can be performed to determine a degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness. After imaging, information regarding respiratory damage can be used to select at least one aspect of the treatment, care or disposition of the animal. For example, the information can be used to select the amount or type of feed provided to the animal at a feedlot. The information also can be used to select how long the animal should be housed at the feedlot prior to slaughter. If an animal is diagnosed with a respiratory illness, information about its degree of respiratory damage from past respiratory illness also can be used to select the appropriate medical treatment or lack of treatment.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/425,559, filedApr. 17, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/292,412, filed Nov. 30, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,292, whichclaims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/631,646, filed Nov. 30, 2004, all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to the evaluation of internal tissuecharacteristics in animals, such as by imaging, and the management ofanimals based on the results of such evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Respiratory and circulatory diseases cause significant economic lossesto the commercial meat industry. For example, bovine respiratory disease(BRD) has been estimated to account for 65% to 79% of the sickness andup to 72% of the deaths of feedlot cattle. BRD includes several morespecific forms of respiratory diseases, including upper respiratorytract infections, diphtheria and pneumonia. Both viral and bacterialagents can cause BRD. These agents can be difficult or impossible tocontrol. Cattle have natural defense systems for combating these agents,but these defense systems often are compromised by stress, such asstress associated with normal cattle management.

A significant percentage of livestock experience respiratory orcirculatory disease at one or more times during their life. In mostcases, the animals recover from the disease, but experience some degreeof permanent internal damage. For example, studies on carcasses haveshown that about one third to about one half of all cattle have lunglesions at slaughter that are the result of past respiratory disease.

To control respiratory diseases, such as BRD, many livestock managersactively diagnose and treat outbreaks. When detected, infected livestocktypically are quarantined and treated with antibiotic and/or antiviralmedications. These remedial efforts can be expensive and often fail tocure the disease. The success of treatment depends largely on therespiratory heath of the animal prior to onset of the disease. It hasbeen shown, for example, that animals with significantly damagedrespiratory systems from past respiratory disease are much less likelyto respond well to treatment than animals with relatively undamagedrespiratory systems.

In addition to affecting how animals respond to treatment, respiratorydamage from past respiratory disease can adversely affect an animal'sperformance at the feedlot. For example, feedlot cattle with greateramounts of respiratory damage have been shown to gain less weight thanfeedlot cattle with lesser amounts of respiratory damage. In addition,the meat derived from cattle with greater amounts of respiratory damageoften is of lower quality than the meat derived from cattle with lesseramounts of respiratory damage. Finally, the presence of respiratorydamage from past respiratory disease may cause meat to fail to qualifyas kosher, thereby decreasing its market value.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a method for managing at least one animal based onits respiratory condition. The method can include imaging, such asultrasound imaging, at least one lung of a live animal, such as a bovineanimal or other ruminant animal. The imaging can be performed todetermine a degree of respiratory damage in the animal, such as a degreeof respiratory damage from past respiratory illness. In someembodiments, the animal has substantially no symptoms of activerespiratory illness at the time of imaging. Determining the degree ofrespiratory damage can include evaluating scarring, fibrosis, necrosisor other lung lesions caused by the past respiratory illness.

After imaging, information regarding respiratory damage can be used toselect at least one aspect of the treatment, care or disposition of theanimal. For example, the respiratory damage information can be used toselect the amount or type of feed provided to the animal. Respiratorydamage information also can be used to select how long the animal shouldbe housed at the feedlot prior to slaughter. If an animal is diagnosedwith an active respiratory illness, information about its degree ofrespiratory damage from past respiratory illness also can be used toselect the appropriate medical treatment or lack of treatment. This caninclude, for example, selecting whether or not to administer drugs tothe animal.

Some disclosed embodiments include imaging at least one lung of each ofa plurality of live animals so as to determine a degree of respiratorydamage in each of the plurality of animals. Each animal then can beassigned a respiratory damage designation corresponding to the animal'sdegree of respiratory damage. These respiratory damage designations canbe entered into an electronic database and associated with an identifierfor each animal. This may allow a user to review the respiratory damagedesignation for each animal from a location remote from the animals. Insome embodiments, the respiratory damage designation is referenced toinform a management decision involving one or more of the animals. Forexample, at least one aspect of the treatment, care or disposition ofeach of the plurality of animals can be selected based on each animal'srespiratory damage designation. In some embodiments, a respiratorydamage designation is provided to a buyer to aid the buyer in a decisionregarding the purchase of an animal.

An animal management system also is disclosed. This system can includean identification device for distinguishing individual animals fromother animals in a group of animals, a measuring station, and a computerfor storing respiratory damage information for the animals and formatching each animal's identifier with the animal's respiratory damage.In some embodiments, the measuring station includes a data entry devicefor recording respiratory damage in the animals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the layout of the single-file cattleprocessing chute and sorting pen portion of a feedlot.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the layout of a pen sorter includingfeed pens, water pens and shipping pens for a feedlot.

FIG. 3 is a cattle processing timeline to exemplify a method ofprocessing and managing cattle.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C are cattle processing diagrams illustrating threealternative methods of processing and managing cattle in a feedlot.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the single-file measuringchute and adjacent sorting pens similar to those shown in FIG. 1, but onan enlarged scale and showing schematically a control means forcontrolling the operation thereof.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the computerized control system.

FIG. 7 is a cattle processing diagram but in considerably greater detailthan those of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C.

FIG. 8 is a data flow block diagram illustrating the data flow in acomputerized control system.

FIG. 9A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the get ready stall of thesingle-file chute shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, including the locations ofsensors used in such stall.

FIG. 9B is a flow diagram of the computer program used to operate theentrance (tail) gate and exit (head) gate in conjunction with thesensors of FIG. 11A for the get ready station.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the video and EID/scalestations of the single-file chute shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, showing thelocations of sensors used in operating the tail and head gates for theEID/scale station.

FIG. 10B is a flow diagram of the computer program used to control theoperations of the tail and head gates for the EID/scale station of FIG.10A in conjunction with the sensors of such station.

FIG. 11A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the ultrasound stationportion of the single-file chute shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 showing thelocations of sensors used in operating the control gates for suchstation.

FIG. 11B is a flow diagram of a computer program used to control theoperation of the tail gate and head gate of the ultrasound station ofFIG. 11A in conjunction with the sensors for such station.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the processing station ofthe single-file chute of FIGS. 1 and 5 showing the location of sensorsfor operating the control gates of such station.

FIG. 12B is a flow diagram of a computer program used to control theoperation of the tail gate and head gate for the processing station ofFIG. 12A in conjunction with the sensors at such station.

FIG. 13A is an enlarged schematic diagram of the sort pen entrance gatesfor the sort pens shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 13B is a flow diagram of a computer program used to control theoperation of the entrance gates to the sort pens of FIG. 13A.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are a flow diagram of a computer program used tocontrol the processing sequence for each animal proceeding through thevarious measuring and processing stations in the single-file chute ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 15, is a flow diagram of the overall process control computerprogram for controlling the operation of the various computer-operateddevices and equipment of a cattle management system.

FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of a station initialization computer programfor the various measuring and processing stations of the single-filechute shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of a computer program used to update the datafor each computer-operated measuring apparatus at each measuring andprocessing station.

FIG. 18 is a flow diagram of a station setup computer program used toprepare each station for the receipt of an animal for measuring andprocessing.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram of a computer program used to ensure thecapture of an animal within a measuring or processing station beforemeasurements or processings are initiated at the station in thesingle-file chute shown in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 20A and 20B are a flow diagram of a computer program used formaking measurements at the various measuring stations of the single-filechute, including weight, external dimension and internal measurements.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a computer program used for preparing astation or a sort pen for releasing an animal from the station or sortpen to another destination.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of a computer program used for reading theultrasound backfat data of an animal at the ultrasound measuring stationof the single-file chute shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of a computer program used to interface theprocess control and other computers used for collecting data at thevarious feedlot measuring, processing and sorting stations or pens withthe main feedlot business system (FBS) computer so that data can bepassed back and forth between the FBS computer and the variousprocessing computers used in the overall computer control system.

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram of a computer program used for loading stationconfiguration information into the computer system for a particularfeedlot cattle management system.

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram illustrating the process and formulas forcalculating “Days to Finish,” followed by an example calculation basedon hypothetical animal measurements.

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram illustrating an alternative method to that ofFIG. 25 for calculating “Days to Finish” for an individual animal,followed by an example calculation based on hypothetical measurements ofthe animal.

FIG. 27 is a flow diagram illustrating the process of determining feedproration to individual animals following a first set of animalmeasurements in the feedlot.

FIGS. 28 a and 28 b are a flow chart illustrating the process ofdetermining feed proration to individual animals in a feedlot followinga second and subsequent sets of animal measurements in the feedlot.

FIG. 29 is a flow diagram showing how calculations of “Days to Finish”from FIGS. 25 and 26 can be used to create an average “Days to Finish”for projecting when an individual animal will be ready to ship from afeedlot.

FIG. 30 is a graph plotting selling price against animal backfat alongtwo different curves during the time that an animal is on feed in afeedlot.

FIG. 31 is an illustration of a portable hospital unit.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram of the portable hospital unit shown inFIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is an illustration of the portable hospital unit incommunication with a host computer.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram of the animal health computer of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of an animal health system.

FIGS. 36A-B are flowcharts illustrating programming of the hostcomputer.

FIG. 37A is a flowchart illustrating in more detail a portion of thehospital/processing menu within the programming of the host computer.

FIG. 37B is a flowchart illustrating in more detail a second portion ofthe hospital/processing menu within the programming of the hostcomputer.

FIG. 38A is a flowchart illustrating a portion of the programming of theportable unit.

FIG. 38B is a flowchart illustrating a second portion of the programmingof the portable unit.

FIG. 38C is a flowchart illustrating a third portion of the programmingof the portable unit.

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram showing a complete system of oneembodiment of an ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis apparatus.

FIG. 40 is a side, partially disassembled view, illustrating anultrasound transducer and dispensing handpiece unit.

FIG. 41 is a plan view of the switch unit illustrated in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a front-end view of the switch unit of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is an enlarged side view of the handpiece illustrated in FIG.40.

FIG. 44 is a bottom plan view of the handpiece of FIG. 40.

FIG. 45 is a rear end view of the handpiece illustrated in FIG. 40.

FIG. 46 is a schematic illustrating the switch unit of FIG. 41.

FIG. 47 is a schematic drawing illustrating an operator using anultrasound tissue analyzer in a packing plant for analyzing backfat on astunned ruminant conveyed to the operator after being stunned and bled.

FIG. 48 is a schematic drawing illustrating an alternative method formeasuring internal tissue characteristics of a stunned ruminant using afirst operator to apply a conductive liquid to a stunned ruminantconveyed to the first operator after being stunned and bled, and asecond operator to take ultrasound measurements on the ruminantfollowing the application of conductive liquid.

FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram illustrating the layout of a packingplant and ruminant tissue analysis locations in the packing plant.

FIG. 50 is a block diagram of a national animal identification system.

FIG. 51 is a block diagram of an infrastructure for assigning premiseidentifiers.

FIG. 52 is a block diagram of infrastructure for assigning animalsuniversal identifiers.

FIG. 53 is a block diagram of an AIF for tracing animal locationhistories.

FIG. 54 is a block diagram of a data service provider for receiving,storing, and reporting animal information.

FIGS. 55A-D are sample lists illustrating the type of data sent in atraceback report.

FIG. 56 is a block diagram of a data trustee for screening confidentialinformation from received animal information.

FIG. 57 is a flowchart illustrating a technique filtering confidentialdata.

FIG. 58 is a table illustrating a traceback report.

FIG. 59 is a flowchart illustrating a technique for tracing an animal'slocation history.

FIG. 60 is a flowchart illustrating a technique identifying diseasedanimals.

FIG. 61 is a perspective view showing the major components of a feeddelivery apparatus.

FIG. 62 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the internalcomponents of the main cabinet shown in FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is an enlarged, perspective view of a typical foot portion andisolation pad of a support leg of the apparatus of FIG. 61.

FIG. 64 is an enlarged, front elevational view of the main cabinet shownin FIG. 61, the cabinet panels having been removed to show the internalparts of the machine.

FIG. 65 is an enlarged, perspective view of the weigh frame subassemblyof the apparatus shown in FIG. 64.

FIG. 66 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a load cell ina weigh tower of the weigh frame of FIG. 65, the remainder of the weighframe being broken away.

FIG. 67 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of a portion of theweigh hopper subassembly of the weigh frame shown in FIG. 65.

FIG. 68 is a fragmentary top perspective view of a dry additivedispensing means portion of the apparatus of FIG. 64, shown mounted onthe main frame assembly of FIG. 64.

FIG. 69 is a fragmentary top perspective view of the mixing vessel andassociated components of the main frame assembly shown in FIG. 64.

FIG. 70 is a plumbing diagram for the fluid components of the feeddelivery apparatus.

FIG. 71 is a schematic view of the air flush system for the weigh hopperportion of the apparatus.

FIG. 72 is a flow diagram illustrating the logic of a computer programwhich controls the weigh means of the present apparatus.

FIG. 73 is a flow diagram illustrating the logic of a computer programwhich controls all machine operating sequences and functions other thanthe weigh functions illustrated in FIG. 72.

FIG. 74 is an electrical control schematic diagram for the illustratedapparatus.

FIG. 75 is a flow diagram illustrating the logic of a computer programwhich controls alternative volumetric metering and dispensing functionsof the illustrated apparatus.

FIG. 76 is a schematic view illustrating a system in whichmicroingredient additive concentrates are dispensed directly into amixing vessel from individually weighed storage containers.

FIG. 77 is a schematic view illustrating a system in which dry additiveconcentrates are dispensed by weight into a weigh hopper while liquidadditive concentrates are metered by volume directly into the mixingvessel.

FIG. 78 is a schematic view showing a system in which different additiveconcentrates can be dispensed into different weigh hopperssimultaneously and the different weigh hoppers discharged eitherindependently or simultaneously and either after the weighing of eachadditive or cumulatively after the cumulative weighing of multipleadditives in each hopper.

FIG. 79 is a flow diagram illustrating the logic of a modification ofthe computer program of FIG. 75 which controls a hybridvolumetric-weight system of measuring the amounts of microingredientsdispensed using apparatus of the general type shown in FIG. 76.

FIG. 80 is a schematic diagram of a system for assigning feed to eachfeed bunk.

FIG. 81 is a schematic view showing data transfer between the portableand host computer of FIG. 80.

FIGS. 82A and 82B are a flowchart illustrating the computerizedoperation of the system of FIG. 80.

FIG. 83 is a schematic diagram of a system for delivering feed to eachfeed bunk.

FIGS. 84A and 84B are a flowchart illustrating the computerizedoperation of the system of FIG. 83.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout this disclosure, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the”include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.Similarly, the word “or” is intended to include “and” unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. The word “animal” is intended to includethe broad genus of animals as well as the subgenera of ruminant animals,animals raised for food production, and cattle, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the word “respiratory” isintended to refer to the entire respiratory system and immediatelyadjacent structures, including the lungs, pleura and mediastinum, unlessthe context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the phrase“degree of respiratory damage” is intended to include the presence orabsence of damage, as well as the extent of damage, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise.

Disclosed herein are a method and a system for evaluating respiratory orcirculatory condition in animals and for managing the animalsaccordingly. Unlike external animal characteristics, the condition of ananimal's respiratory and circulatory systems is not readily apparentfrom a superficial examination. Respiratory and circulatory condition,however, such as respiratory damage from past respiratory disease, isone of the most important aspects of an animal's health.

Although the majority of this disclosure is directed to the evaluationof respiratory condition, it should be apparent that similar techniquescan be used for the evaluation of circulatory condition. For example,the ultrasonic and radiographic imaging techniques described below canbe used to generate images of an animal's heart or lymph nodes inaddition to its lungs. Information from these images then can be used tomake management decisions regarding the animal.

Imaging

Some embodiments of the disclosed method include imaging at least onelung of a live animal. Several techniques can be used to image the lungsof live animals, such as ultrasonography, radiography (e.g., standardx-ray and computerized axial tomography) and magnetic resonance imaging.Of these techniques, ultrasonography is the least expensive and isparticularly well suited to use on large animals raised for commercialfood production.

Ultrasound imaging involves the direct introduction of high frequencysound waves from a transducer into the tissue to be evaluated. The echoresulting from these sound waves can be recorded as an image thatprovides valuable information about the internal characteristics of thetissue. The time delay between transmitting the sound waves andrecording the echo can be used to indicate the depth of the tissue beingimaged. The intensity of the echo can be used to distinguish betweendifferent types of tissue, because different materials have differentlevels of acoustical impedance. In this way, internal structures can bevisualized, including overall organs and structures on or within organs,such as lesions.

Ultrasound imaging conventionally has been used in the obstetric care oflivestock and to measure various livestock characteristics, such as backfat thickness and marbling. In very limited circumstances, ultrasoundimaging also has been used to view the thoracic organs of live animals,including the lungs. There are two journal articles that describeultrasound imaging of the lungs of cattle: U. Braun, et al.,“Ultrasonographic Findings in Cattle with Pleuropneumonia,” Vet. Rec.141: 12-17 (1997) and U. Braun, et al., “Ultrasonography of the Lungs,Pleura, and Mediastinum in Healthy Cows,” Am. J. Vet. Res. 57(4): 432-8(1996). These articles are incorporated herein by reference. Both ofthese articles describe ultrasound imaging for the purpose of diagnosisof current disease rather than to evaluate damage from past disease.

Some embodiments of the disclosed method include imaging the lungs oflive animals while the animals have substantially no symptoms of activerespiratory illness. In these and other embodiments, imaging is notperformed for the purpose of diagnosing current disease, but rather forthe purpose of gathering information about respiratory condition thatcan be useful for future management decisions. Lung imaging can beconducted at various times during the lifecycle of an animal. At certaintimes, information about an animal's respiratory condition is moreuseful than at other times. In some disclosed embodiments, lung imagingis conducted shortly before a management decision, such as the sale ofan animal or the slaughter of an animal. For example, lung imaging canbe conducted at auction before an animal is sold, upon purchase of ananimal for grazing or feeding or while the animal is undergoing finishfeeding at a feedlot. Lung imaging also can be conducted at a timeunrelated to the timing of a management decision. Information from suchlung imaging can be recorded for later use. The process of recording andusing information from lung imaging is described in greater detailbelow.

Most livestock require periodic maintenance. To improve efficiency, lungimaging can be conducted in conjunction with other maintenance. Forexample, lung imaging of cattle can be conducted while the cattle arereceiving treatment in a chute or cattle working area. Some embodimentsof the disclosed system include a measuring station. The imagingequipment can be stationary or mobile. Efficiency can be improved bysuccessively imaging the lungs of two or more animals.

The procedure for imaging the lungs of animals can be derived from theimaging procedures used in other contexts. For example, ultrasoundimaging procedures for imaging the lungs can be derived from obstetricultrasound imaging procedures. For example, the lungs of cattle can beimaged with the same equipment used in back fat and marblingmeasurements. Suitable ultrasound devices include the Alkoa 500 with a3.5 MHz transducer.

The transducer used in ultrasound imaging can be positioned externallyor internally. If positioned externally, the skin on the thorax in theregion of the lungs may be prepared prior to imaging. This preparationcan include removing hair and applying a transmission gel or liquid. Incattle, the lungs generally can be observed in the area between theseventh intercostal space and the twelfth intercostal space. To produceimages of the lungs, the transducer can be scanned along eachintercostal space with its long axis parallel to the long axis of theribs. The transducer can be positioned internally, for example, bysedating the animal and routing the transducer through the animal'sesophagus. This technique is best for imaging the mediastinum ratherthan the outer portions of the lungs.

In some disclosed embodiments, ultrasound imaging is combined with anauditory evaluation of internal tissue characteristics. For example, adevice can be used that includes both an ultrasound transducer and astethoscope. Combining these instruments allows for the simultaneousvisual and auditory evaluation of the internal tissue. The combineddevice can include, for example, a stethoscope mounted to an ultrasoundtransducer such that the diaphragm of the stethoscope is substantiallycoplanar with the portion of the transducer intended to contact theanimal. The acoustical tubing leading to the diaphragm can be integratedwith the wiring leading to the transducer. Sounds generated within theinternal tissue also can be detected electronically. These sounds thencan be reproduced in an earpiece or some other transmission device.

Evaluation of Images

A significant amount of information can be gathered from images of thelungs of live animals. For example, these images can provide informationconcerning both present and past respiratory disease. Presentrespiratory disease may be observed, for example, as an accumulation offluid in the pleura. Damage from past respiratory disease may beobserved, for example, as scarring, fibrosis, necrosis or other types oflung lesions. Some embodiments of the disclosed method are directedprimarily to the evaluation of damage from past respiratory disease.

Evaluation of the images can be performed at the time of imaging or at alater time. In some disclosed embodiments, a technician images the lungsand records the images, which then can be evaluated by anothertechnician or a veterinarian. Each animal can be assigned a respiratorydamage designation corresponding to the animal's degree of respiratorydamage. For example, the evaluator may assign a qualitative designation(e.g., good, average or poor) or a quantitative designation (e.g., thepercentage of damage).

Lung lesions in animals are similar in appearance to lung lesions inhumans. Thus, information regarding evaluating lung lesions in humanscan be used as a guide in the evaluation of lung lesions in animals.Similarly, information regarding evaluating lung lesions in one type ofanimal can be used as a guide in the evaluation of lung lesions inanother type of animal.

Both ultrasound and radiographic images typically are grayscale images.In such images, a healthy animal lung typically appears with a dark grayborder and a lighter gray interior. Lung tissue affected by an activerespiratory disease typically appears darker than healthy lung tissue.Lung tissue damaged by a past respiratory disease typically appears evendarker than lung tissue affected by an active respiratory disease. Insome cases, lung tissue damaged by a past respiratory disease is verydark gray or black. Thus, darkened portions of ultrasound andradiographic images of the lung are evidence of active or pastrespiratory disease. Additional information can be gathered from thelocations of the darkened portions. Respiratory disease typically ismost severe in the bottom portion of the lung. Therefore, ultrasound orradiographic images that show dark gray or black areas in this bottomportion are strong evidence of active or past respiratory disease. Theexact grayscale intensity differences between healthy lung tissue, lungtissue affected by active respiratory disease and lung tissue damaged bypast respiratory disease can be discerned by comparing images fromseveral animals, including animals with each of these conditions.

Livestock Management

Information gathered from images of the lungs of live animals can beused to make management decisions regarding the animals. Such managementdecisions can include decisions regarding the treatment, care ordisposition of the animals. Some examples of animal managementdecisions, as well as other relevant information, can be found in U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/645,462 and U.S. Pat. Nos.6,805,075, 6,736,272, 6,592,517, 6,579,236, 6,547,726, 6,516,746,6,318,289, 6,200,210, 6,135,055, 6,131,744, 6,000,361, 5,836,880,5,803,906, 5,673,647, 5,573,002, 5,401,501, 5,369,032, RE34,776,5,340,211, 5,315,505, 5,219,224, 5,008,821, 4,910,024, 4,889,433,4,815,042, 4,733,971, which are incorporated herein by reference.

After evaluating respiratory damage, such as from an ultrasound orradiographic image, the designation corresponding to the degree ofrespiratory damage can be recorded. To facilitate recordation of therespiratory damage designation, some embodiments of the disclosed systeminclude a data entry device near the measurement station where therespiratory damage is imaged or evaluated. Each designation can beassociated with a unique identifier for the animal being assessed. Thisfacilitates later reference to the respiratory damage designation toinform future management decisions. In some disclosed embodiments, therespiratory damage designation is entered and stored in an electronicdatabase. In these and other embodiments, a user may be able to reviewthe respiratory damage designation for each of a plurality of animalsfrom a location remote from the animals.

As discussed above, livestock with significant amounts of respiratorydamage from past respiratory disease typically do not perform as well asother livestock at the feedlot, do not respond as well as otherlivestock to treatment for active respiratory disease and produce lowerquality meat than other livestock. According to some embodiments of thedisclosed method, livestock managers can use the knowledge that certainanimals will or will not have these undesirable characteristics to makebetter management decisions.

One management decision that can be informed by knowledge of respiratorydamage is the purchase of an animal. Some disclosed embodiments includeproviding a respiratory damage designation to a buyer to aid the buyerin a decision regarding the purchase of an animal. Naturally, animalswith a greater degree of respiratory damage may be purchased for a lowerprice than animals with a lesser degree of respiratory damage. In somecases, a lower purchase price may offset the additional risks associatedwith investing in an animal with significant respiratory damage.

Aside from purchase of an animal, respiratory damage information alsomay be useful for determining whether to treat an animal for arespiratory illness diagnosed after the respiratory damage informationis gathered. As discussed above, treatment can include theadministration of drugs, which can be expensive. A decision may be made,for example, not to incur the expense associated with treatment ofanimals with significant respiratory damage from past respiratorydisease because these animals are less likely to recover than otheranimals. Alternatively, a decision may be made to treat animals withsignificant respiratory damage from past respiratory disease moreaggressively than other animals if such treatment may prevent theotherwise likely death of such animals.

Other management decisions that may be affected by an animal'srespiratory condition include how the animal should be fed and housedprior to slaughter. Typically, livestock are fed at a feedlot forseveral months prior to slaughter. Animals with significant respiratorydamage gain less weight per day at a feedlot than other animals. Thus, adecision can be made to lessen or avoid the expense associated with theanimal's stay at a feedlot. For example, animals with significantrespiratory damage can be housed at a feedlot for shorter amounts oftime than other animals or sent directly to slaughter without spendingany time at a feedlot. The rates of respiratory disease increasedramatically while an animal is housed at a feedlot and animals withsignificant respiratory damage are less likely to recover fromrespiratory disease than other animals. Thus, bypassing the feedlotstage or shortening the amount of time an animal is housed at a feedlotalso may help prevent the premature death of animals with significantrespiratory damage. If an animal is sent to a feedlot, the animal'srespiratory condition may affect management decisions regarding how theanimal should be fed. Animals with significant respiratory damage, forexample, may require less feed than other animals.

Electronic Cattle Management

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor electronic animal management. These process steps and systemcomponents can be used in conjunction with evaluation of an animal'srespiratory or circulatory condition, as discussed above. For example,information gather by imaging and evaluating an animal's respiratory orcirculatory system, such as respiratory damage designations, can beentered into the described electronic system components and processedalone or with other animal characteristics as described below.

FIG. 1 illustrates a feedlot 10 which would typically include a seriesof feed pens (not shown) where cattle would be fed selected feed rationsand watered during their stay in the feedlot. For example, four feedpens A, B, C and D are illustrated schematically in FIG. 7. In additionto feed pens, a feedlot incorporating the cattle management system andmethod includes an alley 12 leading through a series of manually orpower-operated gates 14, 16, 18 and a one-way gate 20 to a chute 22.

The alley 12 leads from an alley 24, which communicates with both feedpens and receiving and holding pens, where cattle are received and heldfor a short period upon their delivery to the feedlot from a producer.The intersection of alley 24 and the alley 12 leading to the chute 22 isgated as indicated at 26 and 28 to control the admission of cattle intoalley 12 leading to the chute and to control the exit of cattle fromsorting pens indicated at 30.

Gates 14, 16 and 18 subdivide the upper curved portion of the alley 12into cattle holding sections 190, 192 of about 40 head apiece so as tocontrol the delivery of cattle into a crowding section 32 through acrowd gate 18. The crowding section 32 narrows from its entrance to theone-way gate 20 so that cattle are forced single file through the gate20 and into the chute area 22 which is a single-file chute.

Chute section 22 is subdivided into a series of longitudinally arrangedstations 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42. These five stations are separated fromone another and from the entrance 44 to the chute by entrance and exitgates 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56. The stations defined by these gates areonly large enough to receive one animal at a time. The opening andclosing of these gates are controlled by position sensors such asphotoelectric cells under computer control to control the one at a timemovement of animals through the chute. A larger scale depiction of thechute will be seen in FIG. 5.

Just downstream of the single-file chute are a series of the previouslymentioned sorting pens 30, there being nine such pens illustrated inFIG. 1, including pens 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D, 30E, 30F, 30G, 30H and 30I.Below these pens in FIG. 1 is an alley 58 leading from the left-hand penexits to the alleys 12 and 24. In addition, there is a single-filenarrow alley 60 between the left-hand series of sorting pens 30A, 30C,30D, 30E, 30G and the right-hand series of sorting pens 30B, 30D, 30Fand 30H. From the layout of FIG. 1 it will be apparent that any animalproceeding through the chute and not sorted into one of the sortinggates 30A-30H will automatically end up in sorting pen 30I.

Alley 60 is normally isolated from the entrances to each of the eightsorting pens 30A-30H by a computer-operated entrance gate 62 at theentrance to each sorting pen. It will be noted that there is no entrancegate to the final sorting pen 30I. Each sorting pen also has an exitgate 64 at its opposite end opening into an alley used to direct thecattle from the sorting pens to another destination to be described ingreater detail below. The exit gates 64 on pens 30A, 30C, 30E and 30G onthe left-hand side of the alley 60 in FIG. 1 open into an alley 66leading through control gates 68, 70 back to alley 58 where cattle canbe directed either back through alley 12 or into alley 24 leading to thefeed pens.

Each station of the single file chute 22 is set up either to prepareeach animal for measurement or processing, or to actually measure orprocess the animal. For example, in FIG. 1, station 34 is termed the“get ready” station where one animal is admitted from the chute entrancearea 44. Once the animal enters the “get ready” station 34, gate 46closes and gate 48 remains closed so the animal remains isolated at thatstation. Then gate 48 is opened so that the animal enters the nextstation 36. Station 36 is where certain external dimensions of eachanimal are measured. This is preferably done through a video-imagingdevice or scanner suitable for this purpose such as one knowncommercially as an MSI Scanner available from Cattle Scanning Systems(C.S.S.) of Rapid City, S. Dak. Another video-imaging measurement systemfor cattle is disclosed in Hayes, U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,472.

After the animal's external dimensions are measured, gate 50 is openedand the animal proceeds into the third station 38 in the chute, whichcontains a scale on which the animal is weighed. The scale used can beany of a number of commercially available scales but should be capableof generating an electronic signal for recording the weight at a remotelocation. Also at the scale station or at another desired station, anelectronic identification (EID) tag is attached to the animal's ear.This EID tag remains attached to the animal throughout its residence inthe feedlot and its shipment to the packing plant where it is removedupon slaughter. Through this EID tag, the animal can not only beidentified but its location can be tracked and its measurement andperformance data correlated to the animal throughout the duration of itsfeedlot stay, through its shipment to the packing plant, and untilslaughter. One suitable EID tag for this purpose is manufactured byAllflex International and is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat.No. 5,315,505. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,505 is incorporatedherein by reference. The Allflex EID tag is a transponder which operatesthrough a nearby antenna and an integrator reader also available fromAllflex International. Each EID tag emits a signal unique to the animalto which it is attached, which is electronically “read” by the antennaand communicated to a host computer via a computer interface unit.

After an animal's weight is recorded and its EID tag attached, it movesthrough gate 52 to the next measuring station 40 where its internalbackfat content is measured using an ultrasound measuring means andtechnique. For this purpose, the animal must be held fairly still,station 40 is a “squeeze chute,” well known in the feedlot industry. Thesqueeze chute has a rear gate that pushes against the rear of an animalwhile its head is stabilized in a “head catcher.” The ultrasoundmeasuring system used at station 40 is similar to the experimentalsystem used by Professor John Brethour at Kansas State University's FortHays Experiment Station, described in the September, 1994 issue of D JFeeder Management magazine. While the animal is within measuring station40, circulatory or respiratory system imaging also can be performed, asdiscussed above.

After backfat measurement, the gate 54 is opened and the animal proceedsto station 42 for processing. Station 42 is also a squeeze chute.Typically, processing at station 42 will include individual drugadministration, growth hormone implantation, castration and dehorning.After processing, the chute gate 56 is opened and the animal is sortedinto one of the sorting pens in a manner to be described hereinafter.

The enlarged schematic version of the single-file chute 22 shown in FIG.5 is sufficiently similar to the chute 22 shown schematically in FIG. 1that the same reference numerals will be used in describing both chutes.With reference to FIG. 5, it includes the same five processing andmeasuring stations 34, 36, 38, 40 and 42 as in FIG. 1. However, at thedownstream end of the chute 22 of FIG. 5 there are only seven sortingpens 30 shown and designated sort pens 1-7, rather than nine such pensas shown in FIG. 1.

As shown most clearly in FIG. 5, the single-file chute includes at itsdownstream end just downstream of chute exit gate 56 from the processingstation 42 a pair of access gates 72, 74 for the admission of feedlotpersonnel into the chute when necessary. These gates may be manuallyoperated.

From FIG. 5 it will also be apparent that sorting into one of theseveral sorting pens is accomplished after each animal proceeds throughall five stations of the chute by opening an entrance gate to one of thesorting pens while the others remain closed. Thus, for example, if ananimal is to be sorted into sorting pen 3 in FIG. 5 its entrance gate 62would open to the position 62 a shown while the entrance gate 62 to allother sorting pens remain closed, thereby directing the animal intosorting pen 3.

As previously mentioned, each sorting pen entrance gate 62 and each ofthe chute gates 46, 48, 50, 52, 54 and 56 is operated via positionsensors indicated schematically at 76 in FIG. 5 in conjunction with ahost computer 78 through chute gate interfaces indicated schematicallyat 80. Similarly, sort pen entrance gates 62 are operated by theposition sensors 82 controlled by the host computer 78 through the sortgate interfaces 84.

The measurement taken at each of the measuring stations 36, 38 and 40 ofthe chute, for each animal passing through the chute, transmits a signalindicative of the measurement for that animal through an appropriateinterface to the host computer 78, where the measurement data is enteredand stored for use in calculating various performance characteristics ofthe animal.

Each measurement is correlated with a specific animal through theanimal's EID tag as it passes from station to station through the chute.More specifically, the video imaging measurement (VIM) data istransmitted through a VIM interface 86 to the host computer 78. Weightdata for the same animal is transmitted from the scale at station 38through a scale interface 88 to the host computer 78. Then theultrasound data for the same animal is transmitted through the USBFinterface 90 to the host computer 78. The ultrasound data can include,for example, backfat data and respiratory condition data. Finally, anydrugs administered to the animal or other procedures performed on theanimal at the processing station 42 are transmitted through theprocessing interface 92 to the host computer where such data iscorrelated with the animal processed.

Reference is made to the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,505 for adetailed description of how animal health data and drug administrationdata would be entered into the host computer from a processing stationfor a given animal.

With reference to FIG. 2, a pen sorter 94 is disclosed. There could beone or several pen sorters 94 in a feedlot. Also, it is possible thatthe sorting portion of the pen sorter 94, which portion is to bedescribed presently, could be designed as a portable unit that would betransported to a particular feed pen within the feedlot for use therewithin the 30 days or so prior to scheduled shipment of the group ofanimals within the feed pen so that the shipment date for each animal inthe pen could be optimized for maximum feed efficiency and value.

In any case, the pen sorter is designed to enable weighing of individualanimals on a frequent basis, such as daily or even more frequently,without removing the animals from their feed pens and without the needto send them back through the single-file chute described with respectto FIGS. 1 and 5.

The illustrated pen sorter 94 is subdivided into two feed pens 95, 96designated feed pen A and feed pen B, separated by a partition or fence97. Each feed pen in turn is also separated by partitions 98, 99 fromadjacent water pens 100, 101, designated water pen A and water pen B.Water pens A and B are, in turn, separated from adjacent shipping pens102, 103 by partitions 104, 105, the shipping pens being designated shippen A and ship pen B. The ship pens in turn are separated from oneanother by another fence or partitions 106. Each feed pen includes afeed bunk 108 into which the daily feed ration of the animals in thosepens is deposited and to which the animals in the feed pen have readyaccess. The water pens and ship pens are provided with respectivewatering troughs 110, 111, 112 and 113 so that the animals within thosepens can access drinking water as desired.

The heart of the pen sorter 94 is its array of gates for directinganimals in the feed pens A and B to desired locations within the largerconfines of the pen sorter 94, on an individual animal basis, based onmeasured performance characteristics of each animal, other data such asmarket conditions, and a desired shipping date.

First it should be noted that animals within feed pen A are free to passbetween such pen and its adjacent water pen A through a two-way gate 114to access feed and water as desired. The same is true with respect toanimals within feed pen B through a two-way gate 115 between feed pen Band water pen B. However, unless desired by feedlot personnel ordictated by the management system, cattle cannot pass from one feed pento another or from one water pen to another and cannot pass from eitherwater pen into either shipping pen.

A single scale stall 116 is positioned between water pen A and water penB and is sized to accept one animal at a time. The scale stall isequipped with one scale at 117, which can be of a type similar to thatused in the scale station of the single-file chute as previouslydescribed. The scale is set up to transmit automatically the weightreading of an animal through a suitable interface to the host computer.To identify the animal being weighed, the stall is also equipped with anEID tag identification means as previously described for receiving andtransmitting the identification of an animal being weighed to the hostcomputer.

Access to the scale stall is either from feed pen A or feed pen B, asdesired, through one of two shuttle gates 118, 120. Both shuttle gates118 and 120 comprise a pair of parallel gate arms 121, 122 which move inunison from a scale entrance position, as shown with respect to shuttlegate 120, to a scale blocking position, as shown with respect to shuttlegate 118 in FIG. 2. When in its scale blocking position, each shuttlegate has its arms 121, 122 directed toward a one-way gate leading intothe adjacent water pen. For example, feed pen A shows shuttle gate 118with its shuttle arms in a position for directing animals through theone-way gate 124 into water pen A. When shuttle gate 120 is in acomparable position, its arms would direct cattle through a one-way gate126 into water pen B. Thus, depending on the position of shuttle gate118, animals from feed pen A can be directed either through one-way gate124 into water pen A or into the scale stall 117. A one-way gate 128 atthe entrance to the scale stall prevents an animal that has entered thescale stall from backing out. Similarly, an animal within feed pen B canbe directed by shuttle gate 120 either into the scale stall 117 to beweighed or through the one-way gate 126 into water pen B.

Of course, it will apparent that an animal in feed pen A or in feed penB can at any time pass through the two-way gates 114 and 115 betweenthose pens and their respective water pens A and B, and back again totheir respective feed pens. It will also be apparent that any animalwithin water pen A can also pass through a one-way gate 130 back to feedpen A. However, unless other control gates are operated, an animal inwater pen A cannot pass to either shipping pen A or shipping pen B orinto feed pen B. Similarly, any animal in water pen B can pass througheither the two-way gate 115 or a one-way gate 132 back to feed pen B butcannot pass into shipping pen B, feed pen A or water pen A withoutoperation of appropriate control gates.

Once an animal is within the scale stall 116, it must pass forwardly outof the stall through a complex array of sorting gates indicatedgenerally at 134 into one of four pens, either water pen A, shipping penA, water pen B, or shipping pen B. The operation of the sorting gatearray 134 is under computer control. The scale stall 116 is providedwith an EID tag antenna to identify the animal within the scale stall tothe computer system, which then determines which pen the animal is toproceed to from the scale stall, after which the computer operates thesorting gate array 134 in a manner to direct the animal to theappropriate pen.

Sorting gate array 134 includes three controllable shuttle gates 136,137 and 138. In addition, it includes a one-way gate 140 leading fromthe sorting area just downstream from the scale stall into water pen A,a one-way gate 142 leading from the same sorting area into shipping penA, a third one-way gate 144 leading from the sorting area into shippingpen B and a fourth one-way gate 146 leading from the sorting area intowater pen B.

The following will illustrate that an animal in, for example, feed pen Acan be directed through the scale stall 116 and then either back to feedpen A, to feed pen B, to shipping pen A or to shipping pen B. The sameis true with respect to an animal in feed pen B. Thus, pen sorter 94 iscapable of effecting a four-way sort.

To illustrate, an animal in feed pen A with the shuttle gate 118 in theposition shown, can pass freely between feed pen A and water pen A andback to feed pen A. However, with the shuttle gate 118 shifted to itsposition shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2, an animal in feed pen A willbe directed through the one-way gate 128 into the scale stall 116 whereit will be weighed and identified to the computer through its EID tag.The computer will then determine to which pen it should be sorted fromthe scale stall and actuate the appropriate gates to accomplish thedesired sort. For example, if it is desired to return the animal to feedpen A, sorting gate 136 is shifted downward to its dashed line positionshown thereby allowing the animal to move through the sorting area andthrough the one-way gate 140 back to water pen A where it can movefreely back to feed pen A, either through the two-way gate 114 or theone-way gate 130.

If it is desired that the animal be sorted from feed pen A to feed penB, sort gate 136 is shifted upward to its dashed line position shown,allowing the animal to travel from the scale stall freely through thesorting area and one-way gate 146 to water pen B, from which the animalcan move freely through either two-way gate 115 or one-way gate 132 tofeed pen B.

If it is desired that the animal move from the scale stall 116 toshipping pen A, sort gate 136 is moved to its downward position in FIG.2 and control gate 137 is moved to its upward position shown in dashedlines in FIG. 2, enabling the animal to travel through the sorting areaand through one-way gate 142 into shipping pen A.

If it is desired that the animal move from the scale stall to shippingpen B, sorting gate 136 is moved upward, control gate 138 is moveddownward to its dashed line position, and the animal can thus movefreely through the sorting area and one-way gate 144 into shipping penB.

From the foregoing it will be understood that animals within feed pens Aand B can be weighed as frequently as desired and sorted four wayswithout moving the animals any appreciable distance. Thus the pen sorter94 provides an ideal finishing pen for use in determining the exact daywithin a shipping window of several days when an animal should beshipped to the packing plant for slaughter to realize the maximum returnon the investment in such animal, considering animal performance, marketconditions and feed efficiency.

FIG. 3 illustrates a hypothetical timeline in the management of cattle.Upon arrival of a lot of cattle in the feedlot, or before, the priorhistory of the lot would be entered in the host computer 78, asindicated at 148. Such prior history data is illustrated, for example,in the cattle received report by “load” shown in Table 3A. The reportindicates such things as the date the load was received, the loadnumber, the number of head in the load, the sex of the cattle in theload and the average weight of the animals in the load. It alsoindicates cost information. It also gives information such as the age ofthe cattle, the breed, the type of pasture the load has been on andhealth, nutrition, stress and weather conditions applicable to the load.It also indicates the number of days the load has been feeding onpasture. Some or all of this data may be used in later calculations bythe computer to determine the optimum end date (OED) or days to finish(DTF), of the group or individual animals in the group. This date isalso sometimes referred to as the optimum marketing or shipping date.

On the day of their arrival, indicated on the timeline at 150, eachanimal in the load is measured, processed and electronically identifiedwith an EID tag in the one-way single-file chute 22 previouslydescribed. Then, if desired, the measured and processed animals may besorted into the sorting pens 30 in a rough sort by type (breed), weight,age, or a first estimated OED or DTF, although such a first “rough”first sort is optional.

From the sorting pens, the animals are moved to feed pens, either bysort or on an ad hoc basis, where they are fed for a period of time,such as 45 days as shown in FIG. 3, although possibly substantiallylonger than that.

If a 45 day weight or measurement is desired for the animals, they wouldbe moved from their feed pens on the 45th day as indicated at 152 backthrough the single-file chute, where they would be remeasured. From theinitial measurement and remeasurement data, the performance of eachanimal would be calculated by the computer, and its performanceassessed. The animals would then be sorted into the sorting pens 30according to their performance characteristics. Poorly performinganimals would be culled from the group and removed from the feedlotoperation as “salvage.” The remaining resorted animals would be returnedto the feed pens according to their sorts. Animals with respiratory orcirculatory damage indicated by imaging also can be moved to the salvagegroup.

Then 60-120 days into the feeding period, indicated by the range 154 inFIG. 3, the animals from at least two feed pens at once would be movedfrom their pens back through the single-file chute for remeasuring onceagain on an individual basis. The data from these measurements togetherwith prior data for each animal would be used by the computer tocalculate a new OED or DTF for each animal and other performancecriteria, such as average daily gain (ADG) and feed proration for eachanimal. From the single-file chute the animals would be resorted onceagain according to predetermined criteria such as DTF or OED. Aprojected shipping sequence for each animal could also be calculated atthis time. Then the animals would be returned to the feed pens accordingto the newly determined sorts. The animals then could be removed fromtheir pens for shipment according to their calculated shipping sequence.Whenever an animal is moved in the feedlot, its identification and data,via computer, moves with it. Its location at any time can be determinedremotely by computer, and its performance data assessed.

Alternatively, a portable pen sorter of the type shown in FIG. 2 couldbe installed in the feed pen. Each animal would be carefully monitoredand weighed, perhaps on a daily basis, until it reached its optimumshipping weight or value, at which time it would be shipped to thepacker, indicated at 156.

Alternatively, animals within the feed pens could be sent to a finishingpen such as the pen sorter 94 shown on FIG. 2 where it would beconfined, monitored and weighed frequently within a shipping window suchas a 30 day shipping window. Within that shipping window indicated at158, each animal as determined by frequent weight checks and marketconditions, would be directed from its feed pen, such as feed pen A orfeed pen B in FIG. 2, to appropriate shipping pen A or B when it isready for shipment.

Alternatively, during an animal's shipping window, the animal could beweight checked simply by sending it back through the single-file chuteperiodically until it reaches its ideal shipping weight, at which timeit would be shipped to the packer 156.

Alternatively, a specific shipping date for a given animal could bedetermined by issued inspection while the animals are within their30-day shipping window.

When the animal leaves the feedlot, its EID tag travels with it. Itshistorical and performance data records would be maintained by thefeedlot, indicated at 160, and also transmitted to the producer,indicated at 162. At the same time, the packer would record the carcassdata for each slaughtered animal, identified by its EID tag, andtransmit the carcass data, as indicated at 164, to the feedlot andproducer for correlation with the animal's live performance data fromthe feedlot.

The correlation can be useful to the feedlot in projecting optimum enddates (OED), initial feed proration and production costs for futureanimals of a given type and similar history. This data can also beuseful to cattle producers in determining which breeds and individualbreeding animals are most desirable from the standpoint of market valueand producing the best quality of beef. The important thing to note isthat the performance of each animal is tracked on an individual basisfrom the time it arrives in the feedlot until the time it is shipped andslaughtered, when its carcass data is collected and correlated with itsperformance data for use by the feedlot and producer in managing futurebeef production.

Another important feature of the system is its ability to update anindividual animal's performance projections on a daily basis. Forexample, the DTF for an animal will be current for the day theprojection is assessed. The same is true for other projections such asprojected weight, etc.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates one possible processing sequence of cattleincluding measuring and remeasuring steps and sorting and resortingsteps for optimum feed efficiency and return, many other sequences arepossible as illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. For example in thesequences of FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C the 45 day remeasurement is eliminatedand instead a single 60-75 day remeasurement and uniformity sort areperformed.

Referring to FIG. 4A, a load of cattle is received in the feedlot at 166and within a few hours, measured at 167 and processed at 168 in thesingle-file chute. From the chute they are directed into the feed pensat 169 without an initial sort. They are fed in the feed pens for 60-75days, and then returned to the single-file chute for remeasuring at 170and possibly reimplantation of a growth hormone, if necessary. Afterremeasuring, the animals undergo a uniformity sort as determined by thecomputer, and directed into the appropriate sorting pens 172. Uponcompletion of the sorting operation, they are returned to the feedingpens 174 according to their sort groups and there fed for a period of 60to 80 days. As the cattle within the feed pens approach their individualoptimum end dates they would be selected for shipment either visually,by remeasurement at the single-file chute, or by frequent reweighing ina portable pen sorter of the type shown in FIG. 2. Following selectionat step 176 the animal would be shipped as at 178 to the packer.

The processing sequence of FIG. 4B for an individual animal is the samedown through the initial receiving, measuring and processing steps.However after measuring and processing, according to FIG. 4B there is aninitial sort step 180 that can be a rough type sort as in FIG. 3 or canbe based on a first rough estimated optimum end date for each individualanimal. Following the first sort 180, the animals are directed by sortgroup into feed pens at 169 for a feeding period of 60-75 days. At theend of the 60-75 day period the animals are removed from their pens,either individually or in groups, and returned to the single-file chutefor remeasuring at 170.

After remeasuring in the single-file chute, each animal is resorted at182 by the computer, which opens the appropriate sorting gates of thesorting pens 30. From the sorting pens, the animals are redirected backto the feed pens at 174 and placed into the pens according to theirsorting groups. They remain in the feed pens for a period of 60-80 days,after which they are individually, or by group, selected for shipment,according to their last calculated OED. As previously indicated, thisselection for shipment can be fine-tuned through the use of either aportable pen sorter or the pen sorter 94 of FIG. 2. After selection, theselected animals are shipped at step 178 to the packing plant forslaughter, where the carcass data and EID tag are collected.

The optional cattle processing procedure of FIG. 4C is the same as theprocedure outlined in FIG. 4A down through the initial sorting step 172.However, thereafter the animals, according to the procedure in FIG. 4 c,are directed back to the feed pens according to sorting group at step173 for a feeding period of only 30-40 days. Thereafter, the animals, orat least selected animals, from the feed pens are removed to finish feedpens, such as pen sorters 94 in FIG. 2, for a finish feeding step 175for an additional 30-40 days, which represents the shipping window 158indicated in FIG. 3. Within the finish feeding pens, the animals can besorted, resorted, weighed, reweighed and selected on an individualanimal basis for sorting to one of the two shipping pens A and B forshipment to the packer at step 178.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in greater detail, a representative cattleprocessing sequence in a feedlot. Steps in the processing sequence arenumbered 1-9 along the left-hand side of FIG. 7.

In step 1, as indicated at 184, several lots of cattle arrive at thefeedlot at about the same time, indicated as lots 1-4. When they arrive,the previous history data of the lots and individual animals in the lotsis entered into the host computer by data entry means (not shown) suchas a computer keyboard. The previous history, as already mentioned, mayinclude information such as shown in Table 3A.

According to step 2, after the cattle arrive they are directed intoreceiving or holding pens 186, typically by lot, where they are heldjust prior to initial processing. The time spent in the holding pens 186will depend on when the lots arrived in the feedlot. For example, whenthey arrive in the middle of a night, they would be retained in theholding pens until feedlot personnel arrive early the next morning toprocess them. When ready for processing, the cattle from the holdingpens 186 are directed through the appropriate alleys to the one-waysingle-file chute 22 where they are one-by-one led through the variouschute stations, sequentially, including the get ready station 34, thevideo image measuring station 36, the weighing station 38 and theultrasound measuring station 40. During this process the EID and visualear tags are applied as well, and the measurement data from each ofthese stations is transmitted through the appropriate interfaces to thehost computer 78 for recording, collection and storage. At theprocessing station 42 each animal is implanted with a growth hormone,given medication as needed, and dehorned and castrated as needed.

Using available information and data on the group being processed andthe individual animals in the group, an initial optimum end date (OED)is determined, either through calculation by the computer or by theoperator. A marketing target grade for each animal and for the group (anaverage) is also assigned, either by the operator from a list of data orthrough calculation by the computer, depending on the capability of thecomputer program used. In addition, at this point a projected feedintake for each animal is calculated and assigned and used in proratingthe total feed ration used by a group of animals within a single feedpen, so that a fairly accurate cost of feed per animal can be calculatedand assessed to the owner.

Referring to FIG. 25, the process and formulas for calculating “days tofinish” (DTF) is illustrated, followed by an example calculation basedon hypothetical measurements of an animal passing through thesingle-file chute.

Referring to FIG. 26, an alternative method of calculating DTF for anindividual animal is disclosed. Following the figure is an examplecalculation based on hypothetical measurements taken at two differentmeasuring dates during an animal's feeding period at the feedlot.

Using the method of FIG. 25, an animal arriving at the feedlot, afterbeing measured in the single-file chute, is calculated to have aprojected DTF of 141 days. This represents the total number of days theanimal is projected to be at the feedlot before it is ready for shipmentto the packing plant. However, according to FIG. 26, the same animalusing the different method of FIG. 26 is calculated to have a DTF of 165days, based on its initial measurements upon arrival at the feedlot.

In Table 1 there are set forth limiting factors to DTF projections basedon maximum and minimum live weight for the animal. An examplecalculation follows. According to the calculation, if a maximum hotcarcass weight of 800 pounds and a minimum hot carcass weight of 500pounds is desired in the end product, the maximum live weight of theanimal should be 1230 pounds and the minimum live weight of the animalshould be limited to 768 pounds. Thus, if the OFW (optimum finishweight) as used in the example calculation following FIG. 25 results ina maximum live weight that exceeds 1230 pounds or a minimum live weightof less than 768 pounds, the maximum or minimum live weights from theexample calculation of Table 1 should be used in the FIG. 25 calculationrather than the optimum finish weight (OFW) originally used.

It will be noted that the formula and calculation of FIG. 25 includes a“Cornell Cattle Systems” formulation. This is a well-known formula inthe cattle industry which includes inputs of OFW, condition score(backfat measurement), current weight, ration, environmental factors,feed additives and input program used.

FIG. 27 shows the calculation and the process of calculating feedproration to each animal as determined following the first set ofmeasurements at the single-file chute. FIG. 27 is followed by an examplecalculation using the formula and method indicated in the figure. In thefigure DMI indicates dry matter intake for a given feed period and isindicated hereinafter as (DMI). In the same method of calculation theADG indicates the average daily gain for a given animal. All othermeasurements used in the formula will be self-explanatory. As indicatedin the formula, the frame score is determined by a formula using bothhip height and current weight. The condition score for an animal isdetermined using both the backfat measurement and current weight. In theexample, the proration of feed fed in a given period (P1) is calculatedfor each animal. From the calculation a proration ratio is indicated andapplied to the 780 total pounds of feed fed to a pen of four animalsduring the P1 feed period, resulting in a feed period total proration offeed among the four animals as indicated in the last column of thecalculation. It will be noted that of the four animals, the prorationranges from a low of 190.9 pounds to a high of 206.2 pounds. This feedproration formula and calculation is used only for the first feed periodfollowing the first measurement of the animals. Following the second andsubsequent measurements, a different feed proration formula andcalculation is used as indicated in FIGS. 28 a and 28 b.

FIG. 29 illustrates how the calculations of DTF from 2FIGS. 25 and 26(DTF1 and DTF2) can be used to create an average DTF (DTF3) for use inprojecting when an individual animal will be ready to be shipped fromthe feedlot. The numbers used in 6FIGS. 25, 26 and FIG. 29 arecoefficients that are obtained empirically from experience feedingcattle at a prototype feedlot. The coefficients are defined andcorrelated with the coefficient numbers used, in Table 2.

TABLE 1 Limiting factors to DTF Projections Maximum Live Weight (Max_LW)Minimum Live Weight (Min_LW) Max_LW = (Max_HCW*1.54) −(OBF*2.540005*69.91) + 69.47 Min_LW = (MinHCW*1.54) −(OBF*2.540005*69.91) + 69.47 Maximum Hot Carcass Weight (Max_HCW): UserInput Minimum Hot Carcass Weight (Min_HCW): User Input Optimum Backfat(OBF): User Input Example Calculations User Inputs: Max_HCW: 800 lbsMin_HCW: 500 lbs OBF: 0.40 in. for frame score 4 Max_LW = (800*1.54) −(0.40*2.540005*69.91) + 69.47 = 1230 lbs Min_LW = (500*1.54) − (0/40*2.540005*69.91) + 69.47 = 768 lbs

TABLE 2 DTF Calculation Coefficients Frame-Linear Regression EquationC-1 Intercept for Regression Equation (=18.091475) C-2 Estimate forWeight parameter (0.03365) C-3 Estimate for Hip Weight parameter(1.121666) C-4 Estimate for the parameter of Current Weight divided byHip Height (2.003599) C-5 Estimate for the parameter of Hip HeightSquared (−0.012205) C-6 Estimate for the parameter of Current Weightdivided by Hip Height Squared (13.133611) BFDR-1 Linear RegressionEquation C-7 Intercept (0.01252987) C-8 Estimate for Frame ScoreParameter (−0.00064982) BFDR-2 Logarithmic Regression Equation C-9 Lowerlimit fat Deposition Rate (0.00668) C-10 Upper limit Fat Deposition Rate(0.01188) New Frame C-11 Upper Deposition Rate (−0.01253) C-12 LowerDeposition Rate (−0.00065) OBF-Conversion Tables for Frame to Back FatDTF1-Logarithmic Regression Equation OFW-Regression EquationOFW-Regression Equation C-13 Intercept (366.7) C-14 Estimate for OFW(33.3) C-15 Pounds to Kilogram Conversion Factor (2.2) ADG-Cornell ModelOutput of ADG

The following example illustrates how a final DTF calculation can bemade for determining exactly when an animal should be shipped toslaughter, based on economics (value) and the prior DTF1 and DTF2calculations of FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 30 is a graph that plots sellingprice (left-hand vertical line) and backfat on the animal (right-handvertical line) along two different curves, in terms of the number ofdays the animal is on feed (DOF). From the calculations and plotting itis determined, in the example, that the point P4 on the backfat curveshould be selected for shipment of the animal. This is at 140 days intothe feeding period, the most economical point for shipping. Beyond thatpoint, the animal's backfat will exceed 0.7 inches, resulting in theanimal's carcass being degraded and thus becoming less valuable. The P1and P2 end points would result in a carcass with too much backfat. TheP3 endpoint would be below the backfat limit, so the animal can be fedbeyond this point to increase its value.

Example Individual Animal Final DTF Calculation 1) Input: Sex, BeginningWeight, OFW, Mature Weight, Breed, Hide, Age, Number of Head, PurchaseDate, Hip Height, Calculated Frame Score, Initial Back Fat, FleshCondition Code, Ration Composition/Energy, Environmental Factors.

2) Run Cornell Calculation Method One.fwdarw.Outputs for 6 periods onfeed.

Average Weight for Period. Dry Matter Intake for Period. ADG for PeriodDOF for Period 3) Calculation Gain for Period=ADG. DOF Period.

4) Period Feed Cost of Gain=DMI.times.DOF Period.times.Cost PerPound+(Yardage cost per day.times.DOF Period.div.Gain for Period)5) Feed Interest Cost of Gain=Calculated for all except period one6) Cattle Interest Cost of Gain for Period I=Daily interestrate.times.number of days in period=$.div.the gain (calculated byaverage weight for period less initial weight)7) Total nos. 4)+5)+6)=Total incremental Cost of Gain 8) Calculate andproject for all 6 periods and plot projection graph9) Plot OFW (Mature Weight) on TCOG line at P-1 at 151 DOF to reach 1006pounds (28% Body Fat Target).10) Plot the location where total incremental COG=Selling Price($0.70/lb) on TCOG line at P-2 at 164 DOF to reach 1041 pounds.11) Plot Back Fat Deposition Rate-use Initial Back Fat in the DTF2Method Two calculation to determine the rate. The rate is used tocompound the initial back fat measurement daily for the entire periodand is plotted on the graph as BF.12) Plot the 0.6 BF Target on the Fat deposition rate line at P-3 for0.6 at 123 DOF to reach 920 pounds.

-   13) Final DTF Number in this case is P-4, which is the predetermined    maximum Back Fat limit which is selected by the computer program.    This is calculated to be 140 DOF at 975 pounds. The final DTF number    cannot be P-1, P-2 or P-3 because:    a) P-1 exceeds Maximum BF to incur a dollar discount.    b) P-2 exceeds Maximum BF to incur a dollar discount as well as    causing incremental cost of gain to exceed selling price resulting    in decreased profit.    c) P-3 is the original BF target but, since the animal is still    making profit, it should be fed longer.

As soon as the animal exits the processing station 42 to enter thesorting pen area, the computer 78 has calculated the indicatedcharacteristics of the animal, such as projected OFW, projected ADG,projected DTF and a projected feed proration ratio according to theformula and process outlined in FIG. 27. At this point a sort may or maynot be done as indicated at step 3A of the management process. If a sortis to be done, it would likely be a rough sort by animal type, weight,or OED. At this point it would usually be too early to cull animals fromthe feedlot because there is no performance data yet accumulated on anyanimal.

In the illustration of FIG. 7 the measured and processed animals wouldgo directly to step 4 of the process, which is directly to one of fourfeed pens 188, feed pen A, feed pen B, feed pen C or feed pen D. Therethey would be provided a selected feed ration and water for a selectedperiod that may range from 45-75 days but more typically in the 60-75day range. During this first feeding period each animal's records aremaintained and the cost of the feed ration delivered to each pen wouldbe prorated among the individual animals for assessment to theirrespective owners.

At the end of the first feeding period, two or more of the feed pencattle groups in the feed pens A-D are selected for remeasurement at thesame time. This selection may be based on one or more of several factorssuch as the similarity of their group average OED or DTF, breed type,marketing target yields or other factors. Each animal in the selectedgroups is directed back through, for example, the alley 24 from its feedpen through the gates 26, 28 and back through the alley 12 leading tothe single-file chute. Once within the alley 12, the animals are ledinto two different holding sections of the alley as defined by themanually operated alley gates 14, 16, 18 defining holding sections 190,192. Each of the holding sections 190, 192 is capable of holdingapproximately 40 head of cattle. From the holding section 192 the cattleare led through a hydraulically operated crowd gate 18 into the crowdingsection 32 where cattle are directed one-at-a-time through ahydraulically powered one-way gate 20 leading to a single-file entrancesection 44 into the one-way chute 22.

Then the animals are admitted one at a time and single file into thechute 22 where they are measured externally and internally, and weighedonce again. In the processing section 42 the animals may also bereimplanted with a growth hormone as needed. The measurement data foreach animal is automatically entered into the computer 78 via data entrymeans coupled to the measuring apparatus and there correlated with theEID of the animal.

With the historical data, original measurement data and theremeasurement data for each animal, that animal's performance throughthe first feeding period can be accurately calculated and gauged, muchmore so than with the projected performance data from the originalmeasurements alone. Thus, upon remeasurement, each animal's ADG, OFW andDTF (or OED) is recalculated and used as the basis for a prediction offuture performance and a shipping date or at least shipping window,using the methods previously outlined with respect to FIGS. 25 and 26,and Table 1. In addition, each animal's feed proration is recalculatedusing the method and formula outlined in FIGS. 28 a and 28 b. This givesa much more accurate feed proration for each animal than the initialproration determined according to FIG. 27. This new feed proration willbe used to calculate each animal's feed intake for the next feedingperiod. Of course, for the indicated calculations, both the rate ofweight gain (ADG) and the total amount of change (gain) and the fat (fatdeposition rate) and external dimensions (frame, muscular growth) areused in calculating the new projected DTF and OEW for each animal.

At the same time, each animal's DTF as calculated is checked against anydrug withdrawal and safe-to-ship information available from the healthhistory of the animal, also stored in the computer system according tothe system described in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,505. AnyOED or DTF calculated by the computer or otherwise would be adjusted asdictated by the drug withdrawal and safe-to-ship information from theanimal health system and prior to any assignment of the animal to anyparticular sort group. This drug withdrawal and safe-to-ship check mightbe done either by computer or manually by the operator. Also before anygrowth promotant drug or implant is administered to the animal in theprocessing station, a decision would be made on whether to administer atall based on the calculated DTF or OED, drug cost, and efficacy. Inshort, no growth promotant drug need be given if the animal is predictedto remain in the feedlot for only a short time following aremeasurement.

As each animal leaves the single-file chute, the computer has determinedits sort group and allocated a particular sort pen in which to direct itfrom the chute. Steps 6 and 7 of the diagram of FIG. 7 represent asorting procedure that may be used following a remeasurement.Essentially, each animal is directed to one of the seven sort pens ofFIG. 5 temporarily. Each of the seven sort pens indicated in step 6 willreceive animals selected according to seven different sort groups. Thesort group to which a particular animal is assigned may be based on anyone or more of several parameters but most likely will be based on theirOED or DTF, their visual scores, their weights, their physicalcondition, or a combination thereof.

In the illustration of FIG. 7 there are seven sort groups. These aredesignated, “sort group 1,” “sort group 2,” “flex group,” “earlies,”“lates,” “reruns,” and “trash.” Before the sorting procedure is over instep 6, these seven sort groups will be reduced to four, consisting of“sort group 1,” “sort group 2,” “earlies,” and “lates.” Each of thosefour groups will then be directed, in turn, according to step 8, intoone of the four feed pens A, B, C or D according to their sort groups.Feed pens A-D in all likelihood will be the same feed pens as used instep 4.

To explain the sort groups further, “reruns” are cattle for which one ormore measurements are missing or a process was omitted after a firstpass through the single-file chute. As a result, cattle sorted into sortpen 1 as reruns will be run again through the single-file chute andthere sorted into one of the other six groups, as indicated in step 7.

The “earlies” group consists of cattle that are predicted to haveearlier OED's or DTF's than the rest of the cattle being sorted. Inother words, they are predicted to have shipping dates to the packingplant considerably earlier than the cattle in the other groups. Asindicated, cattle in the earlies group will be directed from sort pen 2in step 6 to feed pen A in step 8. It should be noted that some of thereruns from sort pen 1, after being rerun, may end up in the earliesgroup of sort pen 2 and be eventually directed into feed pen A.

Sort pen 6, consisting of the “lates” group, include cattle that arepredicted to have late shipping dates (DTF's or OED's), as compared tothe other groups. As indicated in the diagram of FIG. 7, the lates groupwill be directed from sort pen 6 to feed pen D. The lates group mayeventually include some of the reruns of sort pen 1 after the reruns arepassed again through the single-file chute.

The “trash” group is composed of non-performing or poorly performingcattle and are sorted into sort pen 7. These are cattle that have poorADG's or other physical problems, such as circulatory or respiratorydamage, that render them unsuitable for beef production or that areunprofitable to keep in the feedlot. Cattle in the trash group areculled from the rest of the animals, removed from the feedlot and soldas salvage.

The three remaining groups are sort group 1, sort group 2 and the flexgroup. Whatever the parameters being used to sort, the flex groupconsists of animals that are close to the dividing line between sortgroup 1 and sort group 2. For example if sorting is by weight and sortgroup 1 consists of a range of lighter weight animals and sort group 2 arange of heavier weight animals, the flex group consists of animals thatare somewhere in a weight range between the two principal sort groups.

For example, after a first pass through the single-file chute, sortgroup 1 might include 20 animals and sort group 2 might include 17animals. The purpose of the flex group is to even out the number ofanimals in each of sort groups 1 and 2. In the given example, if thereare 10 animals in the flex group, they would be resorted by sending themthrough the single-file chute again and redistributing them into eithersort group 1 or sort group 2 according to weight. As a result of thisresorting process with respect to the flex group, eventually there areno remaining animals in the flex group, as they have all beenredistributed to either sort group 1 or sort group 2. In the givenexample, where sort group I originally includes 20 animals, sort group 217 animals and the flex group 10 animals, eventually sort group 1 mayend up with 24 animals, sort group 2 with 23 animals and the flex groupwith none. When the flex group has been redistributed, the animals insort groups 1 and 2 are directed respectively to feed pens B and C.

Flex sorting is a method of sorting a group of random animals into sortgroups of predetermined size and quantity. The particular measurementthat is used for ordering is of minor importance to the flex sortingmethod, but some examples are current weight, finish date, and finishweight. To achieve this sort, an ordered list of animals is maintainedas the data is collected, and a sort group is assigned based on theposition within the ordered list. As the sorting starts, insufficientdata will exist to make reasonable sort decisions, so animals are placedin a flex group until enough data has been collected to berepresentative of the whole population. This sample size is expressed asa percent of the total population, and is configurable. Other animalsthat will also be placed in the flex group are ones that are too closeto the split between sort groups to be certain to which group theybelong. This area of uncertainty is defined by flex percent value, it isalso configurable and is expressed as a percent of the data range (i.e.maximum value-minimum value). At the completion of sorting, the animalsin the flex group are processed again, this time since all informationis known about the population the correct sort decision can be made.

Example

Setup parameters: Total Population  5 head Sort Distribution  2 groupsFirst Group  2 head (40% of total) Second Group  3 head (60% of total)Sample Size 30% Flex Percent 10%Sample weight data 625, 600, 675, 610, 6401. First weight is 625, add to ordered list, compute new median, and thearea of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 625 1^(st) element 625 N/ASince the number of weights (1) is less than sample size (1.5=*0.3) putthis weight in flex group.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 6252. Next weight is 600, add this weight to the ordered list, compute newmedian, and the area of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((2 − 1)*0.4) + 1 AVG.(1 & 2) (625 − 600)*0.1 625 or between 1 & 2 or 612.5 + or −2.5Since the number of weights (2) is greater than the sample size (1.5),check to see if new weight is in the area of uncertainty. The area ofuncertainty is 610 to 615, the new weight is not in this area and isless than the median, so it belongs in sort group one.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 6253. Next weight is 675, add this weight to the ordered list, compute newmedian, and the area of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((3 − 1)*0.4) + 1 AVG.(1 & 2) (675 − 600)*0.1 625 or between 1 & 2 or 612.5 + or −7.5Since the number of weights (3) is greater than the sample size (1.5),check to see if new weight is in the area of uncertainty. The area ofuncertainty is 605 to 620, the new weight is not in this area and isgreater than the median, so it belongs in sort group two.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 6254. Next weight is 610, add this weight to the ordered list, computelist, compute new median, and the area of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((4 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (2 & 3) (675 − 600) * 610 or between 2 & 3 or 617.5 0.1 + or − 7.5625 675Since the number of weights (4) is greater than the sample size (1.5),check to see if new weight is in the area of uncertainty. The area ofuncertainty is 610 to 625, the new weight is in this area and must beplaced in the flex group.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 625 6105. The last weight is 640, add this weight to the ordered list, computenew median, and the area of uncertainty.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((5 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (2 & 3) (675 − 600) * 610 or between 2 & 3 or 617.5 0.1 + or − 7.5625 640 675Since the number of weights (5) is greater than the sample size (1.5),check to see if new weight is in the area of uncertainty. This area ofuncertainty is 610 to 625, the new weight is not in this area and isgreater than the median, so it belongs in sort group two.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 625 640 6106. Now it is time to do the flex pen, the first weight of 625 is alreadyin the ordered list so we only need to determine which group it belongsin.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((5 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (2 & 3) None 610 or between 2 & 3 or 617.5 625 640 675Since there is no area of uncertainty and the current weight is greaterthan the median, it belongs in group two.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 610 640 6257. Now the last flex weight of 610 is already in the ordered list so weonly need to determine which group it belongs to.

Results

Ordered List Median Loc Median Wt Uncertainty 600 ((5 − 1) * 0.4) + 1AVG. (2 & 3) None 610 or between 2 & 3 or 617.5 625 640 675Since there is no area of uncertainty and the current weight is lessthan the median, it belongs in group one.

Results

Sort Group 1 Sort Group 2 Flex Group 600 675 610 640 625

The above example demonstrates a two-way sort, but it can sort anynumber of ways. For an n-way sort there are (n−1) median locationswithin the ordered list to keep track of, but only one flex pen isneeded to hold the animals that we are uncertain about. Also, in theexample given, the sort was done without any errors or animals in thewrong pen. It is possible for the sort to end up with a different headcount in the sort group than expected, or for some head to be in thewrong pen based on their sorting measurement. These mistakes occurmostly at the splits between two sort groups, and involve animals withvery close measurements. One thing that should be pointed out is thatthis sorting method, like a lot of other sorting methods, performsbetter if the data is random. The worst possible scenario is for thedata to already be sorted either ascending or descending.

One additional feature of this sorting method is the ability to have ahuman make subjective sort decisions, such as color, before runningthrough the flex sort, in effect having two flex sort sessions runningconcurrently.

With the animals in feed pens A, B, C and D for the second portion ofthe feeding period as indicated in step 8, they may remain in theirrespective pens until they are ready for shipment. During this secondfeeding period of typically 60-80 days, selected animals or selectedgroups of animals may again be remeasured and resorted through thesingle-file chute and sorting pens if desired or economically feasible.For example the timeline of FIG. 3 indicates two remeasurements andresorts during the feeding period. However FIG. 7 illustrates a singleremeasuring and single uniformity sort more like the procedure outlinedin FIG. 4A. All of the animals in feed pens A, D have new and moreaccurate pro rata feed intake ratios assigned to them using the methodoutlined in FIG. 28 a and FIG. 28 b, including data such as ADG, gain,external and internal measurements and other factors. Individual animalrecords are maintained for each animal during its remaining period oftime in the feedlot. Additional weight checks or other measurements maybe used to monitor actual performance during this second portion of thefeeding period to confirm or modify the OED or DTF of each animal.

Also, as indicated in FIG. 4C, after a certain period within feed pensA-D, one or more of the groups may be sent to pen sorters such as pensorter 94 in FIG. 2 for finish feeding for the time that these groupswill be within their marketing window. This approach allows for“fine-tuning” of the optimum date of shipment for each individual animalbased on market conditions and the individual animal's performance inits final days at the feedlot. This selection process, whetheraccomplished visually, by weight checks or by final feeding in a pensorter, involves the selection process as indicated in step 8A forshipment of the animal to the packing plant. In the case of a pensorter, this would involve sorting the animal selected for shipment fromthe feeding pen portion of the sorter to the shipping pen portion, aspreviously described.

Animals may be selected for shipment based on a selected marketing groupof animals having the same average OED's or DTF's or on an individualanimal basis, depending on how finely tuned the selection processdesired. The selection process may be performed visually, by computer orby repeated weight checks as previously described.

Step 9 of the management system involves shipping the selected animalsto the packing plant 156. At the packing plant, the animals areslaughtered for production of beef products for consumption. At thepacking plant, the EID tag on each live animal is read and transferredby computer to match the identification on the resulting carcass so thatthe carcass data can be matched to the live animal performance andhistory data.

At the packing plant, the EID tags are removed from the animals andshipped in a container to a reconditioning operation where they arecleaned, tested and sorted for delivery back to the proper feedlot. Thecarcass data and the disbursements of funds breakdown for the originalowners of the animals in a marketing group are transmitted to theappropriate feedlot. This data may also be transmitted to the originalcattle producers for use in improving the genetics of the animals forfuture beef production.

The feed proration flow charts of FIGS. 27, 28 a and 28 b have beendiscussed. Following each table is an example calculation using theformulas and flow diagrams set forth in the figures. These examples setforth the data output from the computer when provided with software forcarrying out the calculations set forth in FIGS. 27, 28 a and 28 b. Theexamples are for four animals identified as animals nos. 85, 10, 68 and36. From the examples it will be seen that animal No. 85 had a startingweight of 829 pounds and a calculated optimum finish weight of 1136pounds. During the initial feeding period P1 the ratio of feed allocatedto it was 0.255646, so that out of a total of 780 pounds of feed fedduring the first feeding period, 199.4038866 pounds of feed was proratedto it for allocating feed charges. During the next current period CP,the same ratio was used to prorate a total of 3,000 pounds of feed amongthe four animals, with 767 pounds being allocated to animal No. 85.However from the subsequent calculation, the DMI ratio for animal 85,based on remeasurements and original measurements, changed to 0.253206.As a result, animal 85 in the next feeding period ended up with 1,519pounds of feed prorated to it out of a total of 6,000 pounds. It willalso be noted from the calculations and data output from the computerthat animal No. 85, when remeasured, had a weight of 1,028 pounds, upfrom an 829 pound initial weight. It also ended up with an actual weightof 1,128 pounds at final measurement compared to an original calculatedoptimum finish weight of 1,136 pounds.

When the four animals finally left the feedlot, their DMI numbersoverall were recalculated to adjust their overall DMI ratios, resultingin a reallocation of the total feed fed to each animal. Animal No. 85had 2,440 pounds of feed allocated to it out of a total of 9,660 pounds,based on its recalculated overall feed ratio of 0.25262. The final dataoutput from the feed proration calculations is a ratio of feed to weightgain for each animal. Animal No. 85 ended up with a feed to weight gainratio of 8.17, second highest in the group of four animals considered.

FIG. 8 is a general block diagram of the data inputs and data outputs tothe host computer system 78. There are two categories of inputs,including the group input category 194 and the individual animal inputrepresented by interface 196. The individual prior history of eachanimal is entered upon each animal's arrival at the feedlot, asindicated by the prior history input 198. Such prior history wouldinclude each animal's date of birth and its genetic background. Alsoentered at initial processing and on subsequent remeasurements would beeach animal's weight, hip height, backfat and hide condition asindicated at input 200. These measurements are obtained at thesingle-file chute in the manner previously described. These individualinputs in turn are transmitted by cable or radio frequency means to thehost computer 78 for storage and use in calculating the previouslydiscussed formulas. Group information when transmitted to the computerwould include prior history data such as average daily gain while in thepasture and the group condition score, visually estimated at the time ofarrival at the feedlot. Other information would include the sex, age,breed and hide thickness breakdown for the animals in the group. These“cattle factors” are also input into the computer through data entrymeans indicated at 204 and the group input interfaces 194.

Environmental factors such as air temperature, wind, and pen conditionswhere the animals came from are also collected and entered through dataentry means 206 into the group input interface 194.

Management factors for each group including implants, ionophores andprocessing information, are collected and input through data entry means208 into the computer through the group input interfaces 194. Finally,feed factors, such as ration composition, are input through data entrymeans 210 and the group input interfaces 194 into the host computer 78.

Market factors are also part of the data used to calculate the desiredcomputer outputs, such factors including purchase price, cattle futures,basis and premium/discounts for the animals in the group. These marketfactors are entered through data entry means 12 and the group inputinterface 194 into the host computer 78.

With the data collected as described, and the appropriate software, thecomputer system is able to calculate, using formulas such as the onesdisclosed in FIGS. 25, 26, 27, 28 a, 28 b, and Table 1, such outputs asa projected date to finish (DTF), optimum end weight (OEW), andprojected end points such as finish weight, hot carcass weight, yieldgrade, and USDA quality grade. The computer system also calculates areturn on investment including cost, incomes and profit as indicated at218.

Examples of the type of data collected, calculated, stored and availablein reports generated by the computer system are shown in Tables 3A. 3G.

Table 3A, the cattle received report by load, has already beendiscussed. It discloses the information available from the producer andentered into the computer through appropriate data entry means upon thearrival of a load of cattle at the feedlot. This is a “group” report andis the sort of information entered into the computer as indicated atdata entry means 202, 204 and 206 of FIG. 8.

Table 3B is a pen assignment summary report, which is another group typereport and gives the sorting pen assignments 1-7 for lot No. 495 ofcattle that is to be fed in pens 59, 57 and 58. The number of head ofcattle in each pen 10, 11 and 11 for sorting pens 1, 2 and 4 and feedpens 59, 57 and 58 is given. This information is available from thecomputer after at least one measurement and sort of a lot of animals.

Still referring to Table 3B, the remaining data in the pen assignmentsummary report should be self-explanatory, giving information concerningthe projected finish weight, the current weight, the frame size andcurrent backfat measurements, on average, for the animals in feed pens59, 57 and 58. In addition to the averages for each of the indicatedmeasurements, the pen assignment summary report also gives maximum andminimum ranges for the animals in each sort group.

Table 3C is a sample of a pen assignment detail report generated by thecomputer system. This report indicates the lot number, the feed pennumber, the sort pen number, and the EID tag number of each of the 11animals in feed pen 57. The report also indicates that the animals inthis feed pen have a shipping window ranging from May 14, 1994 to Sep.28, 1994, indicating that the animals in this group are expected toreach their optimum condition, such as optimum finish weight, sometimewithin this window. The pen assignment detail report also givesindividual animal measurements and calculations including video imagedimensions (VID), and projected days to finish (DTF) which is the numberof days the animal is projected to require to reach its optimum finishweight. Also indicated is the projected optimum finish weight (OFW), theanimal's current weight (CWT), and each animal's average daily gain(ADG). Finally, the pen assignment detail report gives each animal'sframe measurement score (FM) and backfat measurement (BF).

Because of the amount of information available for each animal in eachfeed pen in the feedlot, and at any time during the animal's stay in thefeedlot, it will be readily appreciated how animals can be selected, onan individual basis if desired, for shipment to the packing plant wheneach animal is in optimum condition for shipment. Simply by takingrepeated measurements of each animal as it nears its projected shippingdate or optimum finish weight, animals can be selected for shipment andslaughter based on their individual performances and market factorsrather than the performances of any particular group, if desired.

Table 3D and Table 3E are marketing yard sheets that the computer systemcan generate for each animal in the feedlot. The marketing yard sheet ofTable 3D is for the same group of animals as the marketing yard sheet ofTable 3E. However the yard sheet of Table 3D gives individual animaldata for lot No. 495 of animals on the measurement date of Mar. 30,1994, while Table 3E gives the data for the same animals in lot No. 495approximately three weeks later, on Apr. 22, 1994.

As will be seen by the columns in the marketing yard sheets, each animalis identified by tag number, pen number and lot number. Additional dataavailable in the other columns of both marketing yard sheets includevarious projections that have been calculated for each animal, acomparison of purchase weight and current weight for each animal, dayson feed (DOF) information for each animal, the ration information thatapplies to each animal, average daily gain (ADG) information for eachanimal and feed intake information for each animal. Finally, theprojected and actual cost information based on various treatments,processing and other factors for each animal is listed.

Table 3F is a sample of a pen closeout report generated by the computersystem as a result of the various inputs, including measurement inputsfor each animal and each group of animals. This gives the income andexpense information for a pen of animals, broken down to an average costper head, including feed charges, cattle insurance, yardage fees andprocessing fees. Other pen information included in the pen closeoutreport includes such information as total pounds gained by all animalsin the pen, broken down to an average gain per head. Also included areaverage daily gain for each animal, daily feed costs per head, dailytotal costs per head, total pounds of feed fed for the pen and totalpounds per head. Also included is average daily consumption data. Otherinformation includes the cost of the feed fed.

In the summary at the bottom of the pen closeout report, the profit orloss from the pen is given. In the sample, there was no profit for theindicated pen, which included 10 heifers. Based on the summary, the 10heifers in the pen had an average incoming weight of 678 pounds and anaverage outgoing weight of 787 pounds. Each gained an average of 3.21pounds per day for a total of 34 days on feed. The cost of the gain was$56.21.

The final sample report is shown in Table 3G which is a Closeout SummaryBy Lot report. In this case the lot number is 42894, which was includedin pen 553, containing a total of 27 head. The total profit for the lotwas $4,957.98. Each animal in the report is identified by its visualidentification tag number (VID) and the profit from each animal iscalculated. In addition, each animal's performance during its stay inthe feedlot is calculated. Each animal is listed under its sire and dam.This sort of information is valuable to the cattle producer indetermining which sires and dams produce the most profitable offspring.This information is then used in making future breeding decisions.

A layout of the computer system is shown in FIG. 6. Several differentcomputers are used in the system. First there is a feedlot businesssystems (FBS) computer 230 located at the feedlot office 232. Thiscomputer stores the databases used in the system and performs most ofthe calculations needed in operating the system.

Remote from the FBS computer and closer to the chute area 22 are aseparate process control computer 234 and an ultrasound computer 236within a common control cabinet 238. Separate from the control cabinetand the other computers is a video computer 240.

Basically, the process control computer 234 controls the operation ofall subsystems including the stall and sorting gates, weigh scale,ultrasound computer and the video computer. The process control computercommunicates with the FBS computer through the modems 241, 242, line 244and FBS interface 246. The ultrasound computer 236 communicates with theprocess control computer 234 through a line 248. The ultrasound computer240 also has an output line 250 to a backfat monitor 252 and an inputline 254 from the ultrasound scanner 256 at the single-file chute stall40.

The video computer 240 communicates with the process control computer234 through a commline 258. It also has an output line 260 to a videomonitor 262, and input lines 264, 266 to video cameras, including anoverhead camera 268 and a side-view camera 270.

Each animal is weighed by a scale loadcell 272 at the weigh stall 38.The loadcell communicates with the scale 274 through a line 276. Thescale in turn communicates with the process control computer through aline 278 and data split 280. Data from the data split also can becommunicated via line 282 and a modem 284 and line 286 directly to theFBS computer 230 through the FBS interface 246.

Data concerning drugs, other animal health treatments and otherinformation about an individual animal at the processing station orstall 42 can be entered into an animal health computer or monitor 288 atthe processing station and from there communicated directly through themodem 290 and line 292 and interface 246 to the FBS computer.

As previously noted, each animal has an EID tag applied to it in thesingle-file chute to give each animal a unique electronicidentification. This identification is transmitted from the EID tag by aprobe antenna 294 at the EID/USBF stall 40 through a line 296 from thechute to a tiris relay 298 and from the relay through a line 300 to atins EID reader 302. The tiris reader 302 transmits the animal's EIDidentification through a line 304 to the process control computer 234.Alternatively, each animal's EID tag signal can be received by a hangingantenna 306 at the single-file chute and transmitted via line 308 to thetiris relay 298 and thence through line 300 to the tiris reader 302 andthrough the line 304 to the process control computer 234.

The FBS computer not only collects data and uses it to calculateprojections, costs and other information used in the management methodand system, it also collects data from other sources not shown. Forexample, the FBS computer performs the regular feedlot accountingfunctions and generates financial reports. It may also receive and storedata from a computerized animal drug inventory control and animal healthhistory and drug treatment system as disclosed in the previouslymentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,315,505. The FBS computer may also collect andstore data from a computerized feed additive delivery system such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,971 and the related patents previouslymentioned. The FBS computer may also receive and store data concerningthe amount of feed ration delivered to each of the feed pens in afeedlot, including such data collected from a computerized bunk readersystem such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,008,821. All suchinformation, including the drug usage information, feed ration usageinformation, and feed additive usage information can be used togetherwith the data concerning each animal collected from the system and otherdata that may be collected and stored in the FBS computer database toprorate feed ration and feed additive costs to individual animals andthereby calculate the cost of production value and other pertinentinformation about each animal in the feedlot according to variousformulas, a few of which are disclosed as examples and discussed.

Tables 4A, 4E are sample pages of prompts that are generated by thecomputer programs that are used in the computer system 78 that operatesthe described system. The described management system is known as theelectronic cattle management system (ECM) which is the computer symbolused to initiate the program. The ECM program includes four sessiontypes, one of which is entered to begin the system's operation. In Table4B it will be seen that certain animal measurements can be keyed in,automatically entered or not recorded.

Item 7 in Table 4B gives the prompts for entering the type of sortingthat is desired such as, for example, a flex sort as previouslydescribed.

At the top of Table 4C, the prompts for entering the number of animalsto be sorted into the various sort pens are indicated.

Table 4D lists the various prompts for processing each animal at thesingle-file chute. By entering the proper prompt, the computer can beinstructed to process the identified animal in a particular way such asby weight, by reading its EID, by ultrasound measurement and/or bytaking external video measurements.

Additional prompts for setting the parameters for measuring and sortingare given in Table 4E and 4F.

The electronic cattle management system can use a number of differentcomputer programs to run the system as described, the operation andsequencing of which are all controlled by the previously describedprocess control computer 234 shown in FIG. 6. These programs will now bedescribed with reference to their respective flow charts.

First, control of the operation of the entrance and exit gates at thevarious stalls or stations in the single file chute will be described.First with reference to FIG. 9A, the get-ready station 34 in thesingle-file chute includes the entrance or tail gate 46 and the exit orhead gate 48 defining the stall. Within the stall are three sensorsincluding a tail sensor 342, a fill sensor 344 and a head sensor 346.These sensors, which may be photoelectric sensors or some otherautomatic sensors, detect the presence of an animal within the stallspace, and when all three sensors detect the presence of an animal, theanimal will be contained within the space, whereupon the tail gate 46can be closed after being opened initially to allow entrance of theanimal into the stall space. FIG. 9A also indicates the direction oftravel of the animal through the single-file chute and the stall spaceas indicated by the arrow 316.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, the computer program for controlling theoperation of the tail and head gates 46, 48 is disclosed. This computerprogram resides in the process control computer 234 of FIG. 6. Althoughnot shown, obviously the sensors associated with the get ready stall andall other stations in the single-file chute and the sort pens, to bedescribed, are in communication with the process control computer.

First the program is conditioned by another program to be described toget ready to receive the next animal that will proceed through thesingle file chute, as indicated at step 318. At this point, if the fillsensor is off as indicated at 320, the program assumes that the getready stall is empty and so commands that the head gate be closed asindicated at step 322. Then the program commands opening of the tailgate 324 to allow the next animal to enter the get ready stall. Afterthe tail gate opens, the program waits until the fill sensor at 326detects the presence of an animal in the stall. The program thenproceeds to the next step to detect when the tail sensor is turned off,at step 328. When this occurs, the program commands closing of the tailgate at step 330.

If at step 326 the fill sensor does not detect the presence of ananimal, the tail gate will not close. Also, as indicated at 328, if thetail sensor remains on, the tail gate will not close. Only when the fillsensor is on and the tail sensor is off can the tail gate close.

After the tail gate closes, the program inquires at step 322 whether thenext station, namely the video station 86, is ready for the next animal.At this point nothing happens until the processing computer receives anindication that the video station is ready for the next animal. Whenthis occurs, the program, as step 334, signals the video computer 240 toget ready for the next animal. At this point the head gate 48 is openedas indicated at 336. The program then inquires at step 338 as to whetherthe fill sensor 312 in the get ready stall is off and at step 340whether the head sensor is off. When both the fill sensor 312 and thehead sensor 314 are off, indicating that an animal has left the getready stall and entered the video stall, the program commands the headgate 48 to reclose as indicated at step 322, and then commands the tailgate at step 324 to reopen to ready the stall for the next animal.

Referring to FIG. 10A, after the animal leaves the get ready stall 34 itwalks through the video stall 36 where it is scanned for externaldimensions, and proceeds, without stopping, through the open tail gate50 directly into the EID/scale stall 38 where the animal is weighed andan EID tag is applied to the animal if necessary and read to identifyit. Because of the continuous movement of the animal through the videostall, there are no tail, fill or head sensors in that stall. Howeverthe subsequent EID/scale stall requires the animal to stop while it isweighed. Thus, both the tail gate 50 and the head gate 52 must be closedwhile the animal is contained within the EID/scale stall, identified andweighed. Thus such stall includes a tail sensor 342, a fill sensor 344and a head sensor 346, all of which communicate with the process controlcomputer. Again, the direction of travel of the animal is indicated bythe arrow 316.

Referring to FIG. 10B, the computer program for operating the tail gate50 and head gate 52 at the EID/scale station is disclosed. As an animalproceeds through the video stall 36, tail gate 50 will be open if theEID/scale station is ready for the next animal, which will be determinedby whether or not the head gate of such station is closed and its fillsensor and head sensors 344, 346 are off. At this point, the EID/scalestation computer program 348 is initialized and ready to start itssequence of operation. First, at step 350, the program inquires whetherthe fill sensor 344 is off. If so, it commands the head gate 52 to closeat step 352. Thereafter, at step 354 the tail gate 50 is commanded toopen, allowing the next animal to enter the EID/scale stall. Next theprogram, at step 356, inquires whether the fill sensor is on. If so, itinquires at step 358 whether the tail sensor is off. If so, at step 360,the program commands the tail gate 50 to reclose, whereupon the animalis ready to be weighed and have its EID tag attached if necessary, andread.

With the animal in the EID/scale stall, the program inquires at step 362whether an EID identification of the animal is required. If so, theprocess control computer 234 is commanded to attempt to read the tirisEID reader 302 at step 364. If no EID is required, the program nextinquires whether a weight is required at step 366. If so, the processcontrol computer at step 368 is commanded to read the animal's weightfrom the scale 274. After this, or if no weight is required, the programwill inquire at step 370 whether a hip-height measurement of the animalis required. If so, the process control computer is commanded at step372 to read and record the video measurements communicated from thevideo computer 240. After the measurements are recorded, if required,the program inquires at step 374 whether measurements are complete. Ifnot, the program will return to step 362 and again proceed through theprogram to attempt to read the video measurements. Once the measurementshave been recorded, the program proceeds at step 376 to inquire whetherthe next station, namely the ultrasound station 40, is ready for thenext animal. Unless the next station is ready for the animal, the headgate 52 will not open. When the next station signals that it is ready,through the process control computer, the head gate 52 is commanded toopen at step 378. Next, the program inquires whether the fill sensor 344is off, at step 380. If not, the program will not proceed to the nextstep and reclose the head gate. When the fill sensor is off, the programinquires whether the head sensor is off. If the head sensor is off,indicating that the animal has left the EID/scale stall, the programcommands the process control computer to reclose the head gate 52. Atthis point the weighed and identified animal will have entered theultrasound stall 40, and the program returns to step 352 to commandreclosing the head gate in preparation for the next animal.

Referring to FIG. 9A, the ultrasound station 40 is disclosed as having atail sensor 384, a fill sensor 386 and a head sensor 388. It alsoincludes the tail gate 52, which is the same gate 52 that serves as thehead gate for the preceding EID/scale stall 38. It also includes thehead gate 54 which serves as the tail gate for the next processing stall42. Again, the direction of travel of the animal through the ultrasoundstation and through the single-file chute is indicated by the arrow 316.

Referring now to FIG. 11B, the computer program for controlling theoperation of the gates and thus the animal within the ultrasound stationis indicated at 390. Once initiated, it first inquires at step 392whether the fill sensor 386 is off. If not, because the preceding animalhas not yet left the station, the program will return to determinewhether the animal has not yet completed its ultrasound scan. However,assuming that the preceding animal has left the ultrasound station andthe head gate 54 is closed, the program commands at step 394 that thehead gate be cracked open. Then at step 396 the program commands theprocessing computer to open the tail gate. When the tail gate is opened,the program inquires whether the fill sensor is on, at step 398. If so,indicating that the next animal has entered the ultrasound station, theprogram inquires whether the tail sensor is off, at step 400. When thetail sensor goes off, the computer program instructs the computer toclose the tail gate, at step 402, whereupon the next animal is fullywithin the ultrasound station and ready to be prepared for measurement.Once the tail gate is closed, the program inquires at step 404 whetherthe head catcher is to be employed to stabilize the animal in thestation. If it is, the program inquires whether the head sensor is on atstep 406. If it is, the program, at step 408, commands closing of thehead gate.

Once the head gate is closed, the program at step 410 inquires whetherthe animal is to be “squeezed” within the station. This has reference tothe device at the station commonly referred to as a “squeeze gate,”which in effect squeezes the animal from behind into tight confinementwithin the stall so that it cannot move to any appreciable extent. Ifthe answer is yes, the squeeze gate at 412 is commanded to close at step412. If the answer is no, the squeeze gate is not actuated. In eithercase, the next programming sequence is an inquiry as to whether theanimal's backfat is to be measured, at step 414. If the answer is yes,the program will attempt to take a reading from the ultrasound computerat step 416 to record the backfat measurement. If the answer is no, theprogram inquires whether all measurements are completed at step 418.This is also the next step after a backfat ultrasound reading isattempted at step 416. If the answer is no, the program will againattempt to take a backfat measurement. If the answer is yes, the programinquires whether the next station in the chute is ready for the animal,at step 420. If not, nothing further happens until the next station isready for the animal. When that occurs, the head gate 54 is commanded toopen at step 422. When the head gate is open, the program inquires atstep 426 whether the fill sensor is off. If not, nothing further happensuntil the fill sensor is off. When that occurs, the program inquires atstep 426 whether the head sensor is off. If not, nothing further happensuntil the head sensor is off. When that occurs, the program returns tostep 394 to cause the head gate to crack, ready for the next animal.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the animal proceeds from the ultrasound station40 into the processing station 42 through the head gate 54 of theultrasound station, which becomes the tail gate 54 of the processingstation. Within the processing station are three sensors, a tail sensor428, a fill sensor 430 and a head sensor 432.

Referring to FIG. 12B, the computer program for the processing station,indicated at 434, first inquires whether the fill sensor 430 is off, atstep 436. If not, the head gate 56 will not close until the fill sensordoes indicate that the preceding animal has left the processing station.When the fill sensor is off, head gate 56 is commanded to close at step438 and the tail gate 54 is commanded to open at step 440 to admit thenext animal into the processing station.

Next, the program inquires whether the fill sensor is on at step 442. Ifnot, nothing further happens until the fill sensor is on. When thatoccurs, the program inquires whether the tail sensor 428 is off, at step444. If the tail sensor is not off, the tail gate 54 will not close.When the tail sensor is off, indicating that the animal is completelywithin the processing station, the tail gate 54 is commanded to close atstep 446. When the tail gate is closed the program, at step 448,inquires whether there is to be a head catch. If the answer is yes, theprogram inquires at step 450 whether the head sensor 432 is on. If not,nothing further happens until the head sensor is on. If the answer isyes, the head gate 56 is closed at 452 to catch the animal's head.

Next, the program inquires whether the animal is to be squeezed by thesqueeze gate within the processing station, at step 454. If not, theprogram proceeds to the next processing sequence. If the answer is yes,the squeeze gate at the processing station is commanded to close at step456 to confine the animal within the station. After the squeeze gate isclosed, the program proceeds to the next processing sequence.

The next inquiry, at step 458, is whether the animal needs to beidentified by its EID. If the answer is yes, the program instructs theprocess control computer at step 460 to attempt to read anidentification from the this. Nothing further happens until the animalis identified. When the animal has been identified or if noidentification is needed, the program inquires whether a sort pen forthe animal is required, at step 462. If not, a status light on a controlpanel (not shown) at the processing station is commanded to indicate, atstep 464, that the animal is ready to be released from the single-filechute.

If a sort pen is required, the program at step 466 inquires whether theanimal data has been sent to the FBS computer. If the answer is no, thedata is sent to the FBS computer, at step 468. If the animal data hasalready been sent to the FBS computer, the program bypasses step 468 andattempts to read the correct sort pen for the animal as determined bythe FBS computer at step 470. The program then returns to the sort penrequired inquiry step 462. If a sort pen is still required then the justdescribed steps are repeated. If a sort pen identity is not required,then the program proceeds on through the sequence and the ready torelease status light is illuminated on the aforementioned control panel.

Thereafter, an operator must manually press a release button to releasean animal from the single-file chute into the alley between the sortpens. At this point the computer inquires whether the release button hasbeen pushed, at step 472. If the answer is no, nothing further happensuntil the release button is pushed. When the release button has beenpushed, the program inquires whether the sort pen is ready, at step 474.If not, nothing further happens until either the release button ispushed or the sort pen is ready. When the sort pen is ready, head gate56 is commanded to open, at step 476. When the head gate is open, theprogram inquires whether the fill sensor is off, at step 478. If not,nothing further happens until the fill sensor is off. When it is off,the program next inquires whether the head sensor is off, at step 480.If not, nothing further happens until the head sensor is off. When it isoff, the program returns to step 438 to close the head gate and preparethe stall for the next animal.

Referring now to FIG. 13A, the seven sort pens 62 and their respectivesorting pen entrance gates 62 are illustrated schematically. Thedirection of travel of the animals through the alley 60 between the tworows of sorting pens is indicated by the arrow 316 as they leave thesingle-file chute indicated generally at 22.

FIG. 13B is a flow diagram of the computer program 482 for operating thesort pen entrance gates 62. The first step in the programming sequenceis to make sure all sort pen gates are closed at step 484. Next, theprogram at step 486 inquires of the process control computer whether asort pen is requested. If not, nothing further happens and the sort pengates remain closed, and each animal would travel through the alley 60to an appropriate feed pen through the open gate 62 of feed pen 7 asindicated in FIG. 13A.

If a sort pen is requested, the designated sort pen is commanded to openat 488. When the sort pen gate is open the program inquires whether thesort pen gate sensor (not shown) has been tripped, at step 490. When thesort pen gate sensor is tripped, it would indicate that an animal hasentered the sort pen through the open gate. The sort pen sensor, such asa photocell, would be located at the gate entrance so that its beamwould be interrupted when an animal passes through the entrance into thepen with the gate open. After the sort pen sensor has been tripped,there is a five second delay, indicated at step 492, to give the animaltime to pass through the open gate into the designated pen. Thereafter,the entrance gate is commanded to close again, as indicated at step 494.When the designated sort pen gate is closed, the program returns to step486 to inquire if a sort pen is requested for the next animal. Nothingfurther happens until a sort pen is again requested.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram for the computer program in the processcontrol computer that operates in conjunction with the measuring andprocessing station and sort pen operating programs to control thesequence of operation of the various station head and tail gates andsort pen entrance gates. The FIG. 14 program, indicated generally at496, is for controlling the movement of a single animal through thesingle-file chute and its measuring and processing stations and into oneof the selected sort pens. The processing sequence program 496 starts atstep 498 by closing the GR1 stall head gate and opening the GR1 stalltail gate. Then at step 500 it asks whether there is an animal in theGR1 stall. If not, nothing further happens until an animal enters theGR1 stall.

When there is an animal in the stall as indicated by the fill and tailsensors in the stall, the GR1 tail gate is closed at step 502. Then theprogram asks if the video and scale/EID stations are ready for ananimal, at step 504. If not, nothing further happens until those stallsare empty and ready for the next animal. When they are, the GR1 headgate opens at 506. Then, at step 508, when the sensors in the GR1 stallindicate that the stall is empty, the GR1 head gate closes at step 510.As the animal passes from the GR1 stall through the video stall thevideo measurements are made under control of the video computer, asindicated at step 512.

The animal passes from the video stall into the scale/EID station orstall as indicated at step 514. When the sensors in the scale/EIDstation indicate that an animal is in the station, the scale/EID tailgate is closed at step 516. Thereafter, the animal is weighed in thescale/EID station as indicated at 518. Next, there is an attempt to readthe animal's EID identification at step 520. Thereafter, the programinquires whether the ultrasound station is ready for the animal at step522. If not, nothing further happens until the ultrasound station isready. When ready, the head gate of the scale/EID station is opened atstep 524 so the animal can pass into the ultrasound station. Next, theprogram asks at step 526 whether the animal is gone from the scale/EIDstation. If not, nothing further happens until the program is told thatthe animal has left the station. When the animal is gone from thescale/EID station the scale/EID head gate is closed at step 528.

Next, the program asks at step 530 whether there is an animal in theultrasound station. If not, nothing further happens until an animal isdetected in the ultrasound station. Then the ultrasound tail gate isclosed at step 532. Thereafter, the ultrasound computer operates theultrasound machine to make the backfat measurements at step 534, and theprocess control computer is commanded to read the video measurements atstep 536 by the processing station program.

Next, the processing station program asks whether the processing stationis ready for the animal, at step 538. If not, nothing further happensuntil the processing station has cleared the previous animal and isready for the next animal. Then, the ultrasound head gate is opened atstep 540, allowing the animal to proceed into the processing station.Thereafter, the program asks whether the animal is gone from theultrasound station, as indicated at step 542. If not, nothing furtherhappens until the animal has cleared the ultrasound station. Thereafter,the ultrasound station head gate is closed at step 544.

Next, the program asks whether the animal has entered the processingstation at step 544. If not, nothing further happens until the animal isfully within the processing station, after which the processing stationtail gate is closed at step 546. After the animal is within theprocessing station, its EID identification is read at step 548, itsmeasurement data from the previous measuring stations is transmitted tothe FBS computer at step 550, and the FBS computer transmits to theprocess control computer the assigned sort pen for the animal at step552.

At this point, within the processing station, the animal may beimplanted with growth promotants or undergo additional treatment thatmay be indicated. When this processing is completed, a button ismanually pushed by an operator to indicate that the animal is ready toleave the processing station. The computer program then asks whether therelease button has been pushed at step 554 and if not, nothing furtherhappens and the animal cannot leave the processing station. When therelease button has been pushed, the program inquires whether theassigned sort pen is ready for the animal, at step 556. Until thedesignated sort pen is ready, nothing further happens and the animalremains in the processing station. When the sort pen is ready, theprocessing station head gate is opened at step 558 and the specifiedsort pen gate is also opened at step 560, so the animal can leave theprocessing station and proceed into the sort gate alley and into theopen sort pen.

Next, the computer program asks whether the animal has left theprocessing station at step 562. If so, the head gate of the processingstation is closed at step 564. Next, the program asks whether the sortpen sensor has been tripped by the animal entering through the sort pengate, at step 566. If so, the designated sort pen gate is closed at step568. Finally, the identification of the animal entering the sort pen isrecorded at step 570 and the processing sequence program ends for thatparticular animal at step 572.

FIG. 15 is the overall ECM process control program in the processcontrol computer that controls identification and shutdown of thevarious equipment used in the system including the sort pen gatesensors, the measuring and processing station sensors, the station gateactuators, the tiris EID reader, the ultrasound computer, the videomeasurement computer, the FBS computer interface and the like. Theprogram is indicated generally at 574.

First, the particular configuration of the feedlot management systembeing used is loaded into the computer at step 576, and thereafter thevarious computers, interfaces, actuators, sensors, sort pen gates, andthe like are initialized at step 578. Next, the various parameters to beused in the system are entered at step 580 through a data entry means.Next, the program checks for user inputs at step 582, and inquireswhether any stopping of the operation of the system has been requestedat step 584. If a stop has been requested, the system waits for thegates to settle at step 586 and then shuts down the equipment under itscontrol at step 588 to end the ECM process control program at step 590.

If no stop of the system has been requested, then the program updatesthe sensors at step 592, updates the gates at 594 and updates themeasurement and processing stations at step 596. Thereafter, the programreturns to the portion of the program at step 582 that checks for userinputs and the program then continues to operate for the next animalproceeding through the system.

FIG. 16 is the station initialization program 598 that conditions eachmeasuring and processing station for the receipt of the next animal.Each station is initialized at step 600, and when completed for allstations, the station initialization program ends at step 602. Toinitialize each station or pen, the program inquires whether the fillsensor in that station is on, at step 604. If the fill sensor is on, theprogram inquires whether this is a sort pen at step 606. If not, theprogram then assumes that the head gate is closed and that the tail gateis closed for that particular station at step 608, and then the programreturns to its start at step 600 and repeats the sequence for each of(n) stations or pens. If at any station the program detects that a fillsensor is not on, at step 604 the program proceeds to a station setupstep 610 and then back to the start of the programming sequence at step600. If at step 606 of the programming sequence the program detects thatthis is a sort pen being initialized, then the program proceeds to thestation setup step 610 before proceeding back to the start of theprogramming sequence at step 600.

FIG. 17 is the flow chart for the “update stations” program 612. Thefirst step in the program sequence is to update each station for thenext animal as indicated at step 614. When each station of the totalnumber of stations (n) has been updated, the update program for thatstation ends at step 616. The program resequences until all stationshave been updated.

To update a station, the next step 616 of the program asks a stationwhether it is waiting for an animal. If it is, then it initiates thecapture animal program at step 618, which will be describedsubsequently. After the capture animal program for a particular stationhas been run, the program sequences back to its start at step 614 andthen proceeds to update the next station. If a particular station atsequencing step 616 of the program is not waiting for an animal, theprogram then asks whether an animal has been captured at step 620. If ananimal has not been captured, it then asks at step 622 whether an animalhas been released from the station. If an animal has been released, theprogram resequences to the beginning at step 614 to rerun the programfor the next station. If for a particular station an animal is capturedwhen the inquiry is made at step 620, the program next asks at step 624whether the measurements are complete at that station. If themeasurements are not complete, the program waits until the measurementsare made at step 626.

Next, the program asks if the measurements have been completed at step628 and if the answer is yes a light on the control panel is turned onat step 630 to indicate that the measurements are complete, and theprogram sequences back to the beginning at step 614. If the measurementsare not complete, the program sequences back to the beginning and rerunsuntil the measurements are complete and the “complete light” can beturned on.

If, at step 624 when the program inquires whether the measurements arecomplete and the answer is yes, the program then asks at step 632whether the animal is ready for release. If the answer is no, theprogram sequences to the beginning and reruns through the sequencesuntil the animal is ready for release. When the animal is ready forrelease at step 632 of the program, it then asks at step 634 whether therelease button has been pushed. If it has, then the animal is releasedat step 636. If it has not, then the program sequences back to thebeginning to rerun until the animal is released. If at step 622 of theprogram an animal has not been released, then the program commands thatthe animal be released at step 638 after which the program sequencesback to the beginning to update the station for the next animal.

FIG. 18 shows the flow chart for the “station setup” computer program640. In the first step of the programming sequence the program askswhether this is a sort pen. If it is a sort pen, the sort pen entrancegate (indicated in the flow chart as the “tail gate” at step 644 isclosed to end the station setup program for the sort pen.

If the station setup program is not being run for a sort pen, then theprogram commands that the squeeze gate, if any, be opened at 646. Next,the program inquires at step 648 whether the station has a crack sensor.If it does, then the program commands that the head gate be cracked atstep 650. Then the program commands that the tail gate be opened at step652 to end the setup program for that particular station.

If at the sequencing step 648 the station does not have a crack sensor,then the program commands that the station head gate be closed at step654 and then that the tail gate be opened at step 652 to end the stationsetup program, at which point the station is ready to receive the nextanimal.

FIG. 19 is the flow chart for the “capture animal” program for eachstation, which, like the preceding programs, is run by the processcontrol computer. The program, indicated at 656, first inquires whetherthe tail gate for a station is open at step 658. If the tail gate is notopen, it inquires whether the fill sensor at the station is on at step660. If the fill sensor is not on the program sequences to a point whereit asks whether the head and tail gates are closed at step 662. If thehead and tail gates are not closed, the program sequences to its end atstep 664 because there is no animal present to be captured.

Returning to step 660 of the programming sequence, if the fill sensor ison, the program then inquires whether the tail sensor is on at step 666.If the tail sensor is on the program then sequences to step 662 toinquire whether the head and tail gates are closed. If the head and tailgates are closed, the programs inquires whether this is a sort pen atstep 668. If it is not a sort pen, the program commands that the statuslight on the control panel be turned on to indicate that the measuringor processing at the station is not complete, at step 670. If at step668 it is a sort pen, then the program commands that the animal'sidentity be recorded at step 672.

Returning to step 666, if the tail sensor is not on but the fill sensoris on, then the program commands that the tail gate be closed at step674. Once the tail gate is closed, the program at step 676 inquireswhether there is a head catcher at the station and if so whether thehead is to be caught by it.

If the station has no head catcher, then the program at step 678inquires whether the head sensor is off. If it is not off, nothingfurther happens until it does go off. Then the program commands the headgate to close at step 680. When the head gate closes the programinquires whether the station has a squeeze gate and if so whether theanimal is to be squeezed, at step 682. If the animal is to be squeezed,the squeeze gate is commanded to close at step 684. After the squeezegate is closed, the program sequences through the steps previouslydescribed at 662, 668, and 672 to the end of the capture program at 664.

If at step 676 there is an indication that there is a head catcher to beoperated, the program inquires at step 686 whether the head sensor ison. If it is on then the head gate is commanded to close at step 688,and the program sequences through steps 682, 684, 662, 668 and 672 aspreviously described.

If at step 686, the head sensor is not on, then the program sequences tostep 662 to inquire whether the head and tail gates are closed.

The next program to be described is the “make measurements program, theflow diagram for which is shown in FIG. 20 and indicated generally at690. This is the program of the process control computer that controlsthe operation of the computers that control the equipment for making thethree basic measurements, namely a weight measurement, an externalmeasurement via the video scanner, and an ultrasound measurement forbackfat via the ultrasound machine. The program also controls thereading of the measurement data and its transmission to the FBScomputer.

The first step 692 in the program is to inquire whether an animal needsto be identified through its EID tag, by asking whether there is a tirisreader. If there is a tiris reader the program inquires whether anelectronic ID of the animal is still needed at step 694. If anelectronic identification is needed, the program inquires whether anidentity reading is ready at step 696. If the reading is ready, theprogram instructs the computer to read the animal's electronicidentification at step 698. If at any step in the foregoing sequence, itis indicated that no electronic ID is needed or that the reading is notready, the program proceeds to the next sequence of steps.

The sequence involves weighing, and the first step in the sequence is toinquire whether there is a scale at the station. If there is a scale atthe station, the program inquires at step 708 whether a weight isrequired. If a weight is required the program asks if the scale readingis available at step 710. If the scale reading is available, the programinstructs the computer to read the scale weight at step 712. If at anypoint in the foregoing weigh sequence it is indicated that a weight isnot required or a weight reading is not available, the program sequencesto the next series of steps for backfat measurement. The backfat stepsstart with an inquiry at step 708 whether there is an ultrasound machineat the station. If there is, the program inquires whether a backfatmeasurement is required at step 710. If a backfat measurement isrequired, the program commands the appropriate computer to read theultrasound data at step 712. If a backfat measurement is not availableor needed, or once the ultrasound data has been read, the programsequences to the next series of steps relating to video measurements.

The first inquiry at the next sequence of steps as indicated at step 714is whether there is a video measurement interface at the particularstation. If there is, the program inquires whether a hip-heightmeasurement is still required at step 716. If it is, the programinquires whether the video measurements are ready to be read at step718. If they are, a reading of the video measurements of the animal ismade at step 720, and the program sequences to the next series of stepsbeginning at step 722. If at any point in the video measurement sequenceof steps it is indicated that a measurement is not required or that thevideo measurements are not available to be read, the program sequencesto the next series of steps.

At step 722 the program inquires whether there is an FBS computerinterface at the station. If there is, the program inquires whether asort pen is required at step 724. If one is required, the programinquires whether all measurements are completed at step 726. If allmeasurements are completed, then the program transmits the recordedmeasurement data to the FBS computer. It also requests the FBS computerto assign a sort pen to the animal at step 728. If at any point in theforegoing sequence of steps, beginning at step 722, there is no sort penrequired or all measurements are not complete, the program proceeds tothe end at step 730.

From the foregoing description of the “make measurements” program itwill be apparent that this program can be used to control theappropriate computer and equipment at each measurement station to makethe appropriate measurements, then record them and transmit themeasurement data to the FBS computer, and in turn receive a sort penassignment from the FBS computer based on such measurement data.

The next program to be described is the “release animal” program, theflow diagram of which is shown in FIG. 21 and indicated generally at732.

The first step in the release animal programming sequence, at step 734,is to inquire whether there is an animal at the particular station. Ifthere is no animal, the program sequences to command the head gate toopen and the squeeze gate to open at step 736. Then the programsequences to inquire whether the fill sensor is off at step 738. If thefill sensor is not off, the program sequences to the end of the stationrelease program at step 740 and the animal is not released.

If the fill sensor is off at step 738 then the program inquires whetherthe head sensor is off at step 742. If the head sensor is off, then theprogram commands the station setup program to start at step 744 andcompletes its sequencing at step 740. If the head sensor is not off atstep 742, the program sequences to the end of the program and the animalis not released.

If at step 734 of the program sequence there is an animal in thestation, the next inquiry is whether this is a sort pen, at step 736. Ifit is a sort pen, then the program sequences to pass the animal data tothe next station at step 748 and then to turn the status lights off onthe control panel at step 750. Thereafter, the program sequences to step736 to open the squeeze and head gates to release the animal.

If at step 746 in the sequence the indication is that the station is nota sort pen then the program sequences to the next step 752 to inquirewhether the next station is ready for an animal. If the answer is no,the program sequences to the end at step 740 and the animal is notreleased. If the answer is yes at step 752, then the animal data ispassed to the next station at step 748, the status lights are turned offat step 750 and the program sequences to step 736 to release the animal.

The next program to be described, with reference to the flow diagram ofFIG. 22, is the “read ultrasound data” program 754. The first step inthe program sequence is to inquire whether a backfat reading isavailable from the ultrasound computer at step 756. If one is notavailable, the program sequences to the end at step 758. If a reading isavailable, the computer is instructed to read the backfat reading fromthe ultrasound at step 760. Next, the program inquires whether thebackfat reading is good at step 762. If it is not, then the programcommands the computer to turn on the bad reading status light on thecontrol panel at 764 and the program sequences to the end. If thereading is good then the “good reading” status light is turned on at thecontrol panel at step 766. Then the good reading is added to the list ofbackfat readings for that animal at step 768.

After the reading, the program commands the computer at step 770 tocount the number of other readings that are within 0.2 inches, asindicated at step 772. When that has been done, the program sequencesback to step 770 until all such readings in the list have been countedas indicated. When that is done, the program sequences to step 774 andinquires whether there are four or more close readings. If there arefour or more close readings, the next step 776 is to average the closereadings. Then the computer turns on the “backfat complete” status lighton the control panel at step 778 and the program ends.

If at step 774 there are not four or more close readings, then theprogram sequences to step 780 and asks if there are eight or morereadings in the list. If there are not, the program sequences to the endat 758. If there are, the program instructs the computer to clear thelist and reset to start over at step 782 and then sequences to the endof the program at step 758.

The next program to be described is the FBS computer interface program784 described with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 23. Thisprogram operates the FBS interface indicated at 246 in FIG. 6. The firststep 786 in the program is to send an initialize command to the FBScomputer. The next step 788 in the program is to read a command from theFBS computer. The next 790 step in the program is to inquire whether ananimal data request has been received from the FBS computer. If not, theprogram sequences back to step 788 to await a command from the FBScomputer. If there is no command from the FBS computer or no response,the program sequences back to the beginning to send an initializecommand to the FBS computer.

If at step 790 an animal data request is received from the FBS computer,an acknowledgement is sent to the FBS computer at step 792. Next, theprogram inquires whether data from the next animal is collected yet, atstep 794. If the data has not yet been collected, the program returns tostep 794 to await the collection of data. When data for the next animalhas been collected, the program sequences to step 796 and sends theanimal data to the FBS computer. Next, at step 798 the program waits toread a response from the FBS computer. Then, the program awaits receiptof an animal data acknowledgement from the FBS computer at step 800. Ifnot received, the program requests the FBS computer to resend anacknowledgement. Upon an initialize command or no response from the FBScomputer, the program sequences back to the initial step 786.

If the program receives an acknowledgement from the FBS computer thatthe animal data was received, the program next reads the sort penassignment received from the FBS computer at step 802. Next, at step804, the program inquires whether the sort pen assignment was receivedfrom the FBS computer. At this point if there is an initialize commandfrom the FBS computer or no sort pen assignment from the FBS computer,the program sequences back to the initial step 786.

If there is a sort pen assignment received from the FBS computer, theprogram sends a sort pen acknowledgement to the FBS computer at step806. Then, at step 808 the program commands the computer to update thecurrent animal with its assigned sort pen number, in other words, tocorrelate the new sort pen assignment with the identified animal. Theprogram then returns to step 788, awaiting a command from the FBScomputer.

Finally, there is a program for loading the ECM (cattle managementsystem) station configuration information into the process controlcomputer. This program is diagrammed in FIG. 24 and indicated generallyat 810. In the first step of its sequence the program inquires whetherthis is the end of the configuration file, at step 812. If the answer isyes, then the program sequences to step 814 to check for any missingdefinitions. Then the load configuration program ends at step 816. Ifthe configuration file is not fully loaded, then from step 812 theprogram sequences to read the element definition from the configurationfile at step 818. Then the program determines the definition type atstep 820 and breaks the definition into its components at step 822 andcreates the object specified by the definition at step 824 beforesequencing back to the beginning of the load configuration program.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the disclosedcomputerized cattle management system and method provides a highlyflexible system and method for measuring, sorting and processinganimals, either on a group basis or an individual basis or in acombination of group and individual basis. It furthermore proves a meansand method for projecting, on an individual animal basis, when thatanimal will be ready to be shipped from the feedlot to the packing plantfor slaughter and what that animal's optimum finish weight will be. Thesystem also provides a means and method whereby the costs of maintaininganimals in the feedlot can be determined on an individual animal basisso that such costs, on an individual animal basis, can be assessed tothe animal's owners, thereby providing a highly efficient costmanagement tool.

With the management system, no longer is it necessary to treat a groupof animals received in a feedlot as a group throughout its period ofstay in the feedlot. Instead, different groups of animals as received ina feedlot can be mixed with other groups regardless of ownership, basedon management criteria such as animal type, DTF, OEW or other factors.Since each animal can be identified electronically at any time and atany place during its stay in the feedlot, with its ownership easilydetermined, it can be grouped with other animals with similar physicalcharacteristics or OED's rather than being kept in a common ownershipgroup while in the feedlot. Similarly, when animals are ready forslaughter, they can be sent to the packing plant without regard toownership because their EID tags will identify them at packing plant asto ownership and thus costs and proceeds can be properly assessed andcredited without regard to group.

From the foregoing, it should be apparent that a particular animal maybe in one group or lot when it arrives in a feedlot, may be moved to adifferent group within a feed pen during the feeding period, and may besorted into a marketing group different than its pen feeding group whenit is finally ready for shipment to the packing plant. All of this ismade possible by the ability to electronically identify each animal byownership and physical characteristics and costs at any time,irrespective of the group it happens to be in at any given time.

TABLE 3A Cattle Received Report by Load Period: Mar. 18, 1994 to Mar.20, 1994 Research Division CIR117 Agri-Research Seq 13 Feeders Page Lot:495 Weight Pen Date Load Average Totals Purchase Cost No. Rcvd. No. HeadSex Pay Rec Shrink Pay Rec Total S/CWT L4 Mar. 19, 1994 1 32 HF 678 6780.00% 21,680 21,680 16,476.80 76.00 AGE YEARLING 160.00 BACKGROUND WHEATPASTURE 100.00 BREED OF FEEDER ANGUS CROSS 25.00 CHAROLAIS 6.25 HEREFORD28.00 HOLSTEIN CROSS 18.75 SHORTHORN X 22.00 DAYS IN PASTURE 154-161100.00 DISPOSITION DOCILE 95.00 HEALTH SCORE EXCELLENT 100.00 MARKETTYPE DIRECT 100.00 NUTRITION WHEAT PASTURE 100.00 STRESS SCORE EXCELLENT100.00 WEATHER/ARRIVAL SUNNY & MILD 100.00 Number of Loads: 1 32 678 6780.00% 21,680 21,680 16,476.80 76.00 HF-HEIFERS 1 32 678 678 0.00% 21,68021,680 16,476.80 76.00 AGE YEARLING 100.00% BREED OF FEEDER ANGUS CROSS25.00% CHAROLAIS 6.25% HEREFORD 28.00% HOLSTEIN CROSS 18.75% SHORTHORN X22.00% BACKGROUND WHEAT PASTURE 100.00% DISPOSITION DOCILE 95.00% HEALTHSCORE EXCELLENT 100.00% MARKET TYPE DIRECT 100.00% NUTRITION WHEATPASTURE 100.00% DAYS ON PASTURE 154-161 100.00% STRESS SCORE EXCELLENT100.00% WEATHER/ARRIVAL SUNNY & MILD 100.00%

TABLE 3B Pen Assignment Summary Source Lot: 495 Source Pen: 59 SortType: DAYS TO FINISH Pen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Lot 495 495 495 Feed Pen 59 57 58Head 10 11 11 Average 98 79 83 STD 38 41 56 Max 154 154 164 Min 36 17 9Range 118 137 155 Projected Finish Weight Average 1066 1093 997 STD 158137 126 Max 1260 1260 1177 Min 830 876 815 Range 430 384 362 CurrentWeight Average 787 875 766 STD 120 66 66 Max 1035 965 843 Min 627 766648 Range 408 199 195 Frame Average 5 6 4 STD 1 1 1 Max 7 7 7 Min 3 3 3Range 4 4 4 Current Back Fat Average .22 .30 .33 STD .12 .11 .19 Max .42.53 .75 Min .09 .17 .12 Range .33 .36 .63

TABLE 3C PEN ASSIGNMENT DETAIL LOT: 495 PEN: 57 Thu Apr. 28, 1994 SortPen: 2 07:35:12 Run Seq: 206 Page 1 EID VID DTF OFW CWT ADG FM BF ShipWindow: May 14, 1994 TO Sep. 28, 1994 16817175 11 16 876 826 3.13 3 0.5316817094 4 32 1004 905 3.09 5 0.41 16817763 22 45 1034 942 2.04 5 0.2516816164 9 59 1089 929 2.71 7 0.22 16814011 5 60 912 766 2.43 3 0.4116816227 24 75 1024 798 3.01 5 0.36 16816430 16 83 1132 897 2.83 7 0.2516815742 28 98 1260 965 3.01 7 0.17 16816005 34 115 1260 931 2.86 7 0.3116814141 19 122 1175 843 2.72 7 0.17 16813043 32 153 1260 824 2.85 50.24

TABLE 3D MARKETING YARD SHEET INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL LEVEL Mar. 30, 1994C1### 17:55-:03 page Measurement Date: Mar. 30, 1994 DIV: AGR SEX: HFOwner: Agri Research Origin: Little Type: Crossbred Heifers ProjectedWeights DOF Ration TAG PEN HGp LOT DTF Date OFW YG BE CURR PUR CPD LPDID No. Days 25 59 495 38 0506 815 3.0 117.25 711 678 10 10 8 10 11 59495 46 0514 876 3.0 117.25 757 678 10 10 8 10 15 59 495 53 0522 896 3.0117.25 757 678 10 8 10 18 59 495 59 0527 821 3.0 117.25 668 678 10 10 810 4 59 495 62 0530 1004 3.0 117.25 843 678 10 10 8 10 3 59 495 65 0602848 3.0 117.25 679 678 10 10 8 10 14 59 495 68 0606 904 3.0 117.25 727678 10 10 8 10 22 59 495 75 0612 1034 2.0 117.25 817 678 10 10 8 10 9 59495 89 0626 1089 2.0 117.25 832 678 10 10 8 10 5 59 495 90 0627 912 3.0117.25 679 678 10 10 8 10 17 59 495 92 0630 830 3.0 117.25 576 678 10 103 10 20 58 495 97 0705 972 3.0 117.25 704 678 10 10 8 10 2 58 495 980706 965 3.0 117.25 710 678 10 10 8 10 24 58 495 104 0712 1024 2.0117.25 722 678 10 10 8 10 26 53 495 104 0712 1044 2.0 117.25 742 678 1010 8 10 30 58 495 107 0715 1034 3.0 117.25 755 678 10 10 8 10 13 58 495107 0715 1012 3.0 117.25 733 678 10 10 8 10 16 58 495 113 0720 1132 2.0117.25 805 678 10 10 8 10 21 58 495 113 0720 990 3.0 117.25 697 678 1010 8 10 23 58 495 119 0726 1260 2.0 117.25 915 673 10 10 8 10 28 58 495128 0804 1260 2.0 117.25 890 678 10 10 8 10 29 58 495 128 0508 1090 3.0117.25 738 678 10 10 8 10 34 57 495 144 0821 1260 2.0 117.25 841 678 1010 8 10 19 57 495 152 0828 1175 3.0 117.25 757 678 10 10 8 10 ADG FeedIntake Treats/HD PROCS/Hd TOTALS/Hd TAG PEN HGp LOT CPD LPD ID PCP ACPL7D ID Proj Act Proj Act Proj TD 25 59 495 5.4 .0 5.4 18 22 23 22 1 .005 4.75 6 4.75 11 59 495 5.8 .0 5.8 18 24 25 24 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 15 59495 5.8 .0 5.8 18 24 25 24 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 18 59 495 5.1 .0 5.1 1821 22 2 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 4 59 495 6.4 .0 6.4 18 27 28 27 1 .00 5 4.756 4.75 3 59 495 5.2 .0 5.2 18 21 22 21 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 14 59 495 .6.0 .6 18 23 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 22 59 495 6.2 .0 6.2 18 26 27 26 1.00 5 4.75 6 4.75 9 59 495 2.4 .0 2.4 18 26 27 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 559 495 2.0 .0 2.0 18 21 22 21 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 17 59 495 4.4 .0 4.418 18 19 18 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 20 58 495 5.4 .0 5.4 18 22 23 22 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 2 58 495 5.4 .0 5.4 18 22 23 22 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 24 58495 5.5 .0 5.5 18 23 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 26 58 495 5.7 .0 5.7 1823 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 30 58 495 2.4 .0 2.4 18 24 25 24 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 13 58 495 5.6 .0 5.6 18 23 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 16 58495 6.1 .0 6.1 18 25 26 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 21 58 495 5.3 .0 5.3 1822 23 22 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 23 58 495 7.0 .0 7.0 18 29 30 29 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 28 58 495 6.8 .0 6.8 18 28 29 28 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 29 58495 5.6 .0 5.6 18 23 24 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 34 57 495 6.4 .0 6.4 1827 28 27 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 19 57 495 5.8 .0 5.8 18 24 25 24 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75

TABLE 3E MARKETING YARD SHEET INDIVIDUAL ANIMAL LEVEL Apr. 22, 1994C1#### 17:55:11 Page 1 Measurement Date: Apr. 22, 1994 DIV: AGR SEX: HFOwner: Agri Research Origin: Little Tpe: Crossbred Heifers ProjectedWeights DOF Rution TAG PEN HGp LOT DTF Date OFW YG BE CURR PUR CPD LPDID No. Days 25 59 A 495 21 0513 869 3.0 118.39 811 678 24 10 34 6 12 1159 A 495 24 0156 888 3.0 118.04 826 678 24 10 34 6 12 15 59 A 495 320524 896 3.0 117.07 813 678 24 10 34 6 12 4 59 A 495 34 0526 993 3.0117.82 905 678 24 10 34 6 12 3 59 A 495 36 0528 863 3.0 116.01 769 67824 10 34 6 12 18 59 A 495 43 0604 856 3.0 114.76 744 678 24 10 34 6 1214 59 B 495 43 0604 905 3.0 115.60 793 678 24 10 34 6 12 22 59 B 495 510612 1089 2.0 115.92 942 678 24 10 34 6 12 5 59 B 495 56 0617 912 3.0113.99 766 678 24 10 34 6 12 17 59 B 495 58 0619 787 3.0 109.23 628 67824 10 34 6 12 9 59 B 495 68 0629 1127 2.0 114.30 929 678 24 10 34 6 12 258 A 495 68 0629 970 3.0 113.64 793 678 24 10 34 6 12 16 58 A 495 680629 1095 2.0 113.62 897 678 24 10 34 6 12 20 58 A 495 74 0705 988 3.0112.04 785 678 24 10 34 6 12 23 58 A 495 78 0709 1260 2.0 116.07 1035678 24 10 34 6 12 24 58 A 495 82 0713 1035 2.0 110.62 798 678 24 10 34 612 26 58 A 495 82 0713 1038 2.0 110.69 801 678 24 10 34 6 12 21 58 A 49582 0713 962 3.0 111.62 749 678 24 10 34 6 12 30 58 A 495 90 0721 10313.0 112.60 798 678 24 10 34 6 12 29 58 A 495 92 0723 1097 3.0 112.39 843678 24 10 34 6 12 13 58 A 495 94 0725 1055 3.0 112.77 811 678 24 10 34 612 28 58 A 495 102 0802 1055 2.0 113.93 965 678 24 10 34 6 12 34 57 A495 113 0813 1260 2.0 112.65 931 678 24 10 34 6 12 19 57 A 495 115 08151159 3.0 111.58 843 678 24 10 34 6 12 ADG Feed Intake Treats/HD PROCS/HdTOTALS/Hd TAG PEN HGp LOT CPD LPD ID PCP ACP L7D ID Proj Act Proj ActProj TD 25 59 A 495 4.2 5.4 4.6 22 26 25 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 11 59 A495 2.9 5.8 3.7 21 27 25 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 15 59 A 495 2.3 5.8 3.321 26 25 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 4 59 A 495 2.6 6.4 3.7 21 29 28 29 1 .005 4.75 6 4.75 3 59 A 495 3.8 5.2 4.2 21 25 23 24 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 1859 A 495 3.2 5.1 3.7 21 24 23 23 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 14 59 B 495 2.8 5.53.6 21 26 24 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 22 59 B 495 5.2 6.2 5.5 21 31 29 291 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 5 59 B 495 3.6 5.2 4.1 21 25 23 24 1 .00 5 4.75 64.75 17 59 B 495 2.2 4.4 2.8 21 20 19 20 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 9 59 B 4954.0 6.3 4.7 21 30 28 29 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 2 58 A 495 3.5 5.4 4.0 21 2624 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 16 58 A 495 3.8 6.1 4.5 21 29 27 28 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 20 58 A 495 3.4 5.4 4.0 21 26 24 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 2358 A 495 5.0 7.0 5.6 21 34 32 32 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 24 58 A 495 3.2 5.53.9 21 26 24 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 26 58 A 495 2.5 5.7 3.4 21 26 24 251 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 21 58 A 495 2.2 5.3 3.1 21 24 23 24 1 .00 5 4.75 64.75 30 58 A 495 1.8 5.8 3.0 21 26 24 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 29 58 A 4954.4 5.6 4.7 21 27 26 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 13 58 A 495 3.3 5.6 3.9 2126 25 25 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 28 58 A 495 3.1 6.8 4.2 21 31 29 30 1 .00 54.75 6 4.75 34 57 A 495 3.8 6.4 4.5 21 30 28 29 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75 1957 A 495 3.6 5.8 4.2 21 27 26 26 1 .00 5 4.75 6 4.75

TABLE 3F Pen Closeout Report Research-Division As of Apr. 22, 1994 Lot495 Pen 59 Owner AGRI Agri Research Center, Inc. 100.00 Pounds DollarsItem Head Total Avg /CWT /Head Total INCOME Inventory 10 7,867 787 73.25576.28 5,762.80 EXPENSES Cattle: 10 6,775 678 76.00 514.90 5,149.00HEIFERS Feed and Other: COG /Head Total FEED 50.15 54.77 547.60 CHARGESCATTLE 0.16 0.17 1.70 INSURANCE YARDAGE 1.56 1.70 17.00 PROCESSING 4.354.75 47.40 Sub Total 56.21 61.38 613.80 Feed and Other Total 576.285,762.80 Profit/Loss 0.00 0.00 Performance Data Total Pounds Gained1,092.00 Total Proc & Med 47.45 /Head 109.20 /Head 4.75 Average DailyGain 3.21 Total Deads 0.00 Daily Feed Cost/Head 1.61 % Death Loss 0.00%Daily Total Cost/Head 1.81 % Shrink into Yard 0.00% Total Pounds Fed8,040.86 Total Feed Cost 547.69 Total Pounds Fed/Head 804.09 Avg RationCost/Ton XXXXX Avg Daily Consumption 23.65 Cost of Gain 56.21 WetConversion 7.36 (Deads in) Dry Conversion 6.02 Cost of Gain 56.21 InMar. 19, 1994 Out: (Deads out) Total Head Days 340.00 Average Days onFeed 34.00 SUMMARY 10 HEIFERS In Wt 678 Out Wt 787 Gained 3.21 for 34DOF Cost of Gain: 56.21 Profit 0.00 (Before Interest)

TABLE 3G Close-Out Summary BY LOT LOT: 42894 PENS: 553 HEAD 27 SEX SDATE Apr. 28, 1993 OTAL PFT: $4,957.98 VID PFT TCOG ADG PE QG YG HCW DP% LW PWT DOF FCOG PROC TREAT TCOG SIRE: ANGUS DAM: BRAFORD 567 329.9645.00 3.37 6.31   CH− 4.0 875 66.5 1315 634 202 43.00 11.36 0.00 45.00563 64.18 45.00 3.64 6.25 SE+ 5.0 777 62.8 1238 648 162 42.00 11.36 0.0045.00 564 76.03 57.00 2.97 7.16 SE+ 4.2 736 61.8 1190 590 202 48.0011.36 33.25 57.00 565 233.46 42.00 3.93 5.79 SE− 5.0 915 66.6 1373 736162 39.00 11.36 0.00 42.00 566 122.80 66.00 2.47 9.20 SE− 3.3 699 65.31070 620 182 62.00 11.36 0.00 56.00 AVG 165.29 51.00 3.28 6.94 4.30 80065 1237 646 182 46.80 11.36 6.65 51.00 SIRE: ANGUS DAM: BRANGUS 423151.91 39.00 3.57 5.98 SE− 2.9 731 61.9 1181 460 202 36.00 11.36 0.0039.00 421 296.59 40.00 3.87 5.69 SE− 3.9 811 62.6 1296 592 182 38.0011.36 0.00 40.00 425 74.46 63.00 2.23 9.17 CH 3.2 661 64.7 1022 508 23160.00 11.36 0.00 63.00 420 113.36 43.00 3.23 6.61 SE+ 2.7 693 62.2 1114462 202 40.00 11.36 0.00 43.00 427 282.11 45.00 3.45 6.38 SE+ 3.5 77564.1 1210 582 182 43.00 11.36 0.00 45.00 422 198.62 45.00 3.06 6.97  CH− 3.0 734 64.5 1138 480 215 42.00 11.36 0.00 45.00 AVG 186.18 45.833.24 6.80 0.00 3.20 734 63 1160 514 202 43.17 11.36 0.00 45.83 SIRE:ANGUS DAM: ANGUS 619 254.93 42.75 3.25 7.60 CH 2.3 742 66.6 1114 574 16638.73 10.04 0.00 42.75 616 −129.50 58.02 2.59 9.50 SE   3.0 701 62.91114 558 215 50.27 10.04 19.50 58.02 633 231.38 46.77 3.17 8.50 CH 2.8762 63.2 1205 562 203 43.17 10.04 0.00 46.77 628 222.01 53.51 3.08 8.60CH 2.7 813 65.7 1238 612 203 45.61 10.04 25.58 53.51 661 255.60 43.863.15 7.90 CH 3.7 822 65.3 1258 660 190 40.12 10.04 0.00 43.86 929 154.0552.96 2.58 9.70 CH 4.1 708 63.8 1109 554 215 48.81 10.04 0.00 52.96 AVG164.75 49.65 2.97 8.63 0.00 3.10 758 65 1173 587 199 44.45 10.04 7.5149.65 SIRE: ANGUS DAM: HERF 907 178.77 45.63 3.05 8.20 CH 2.1 741 64.31152 646 166 41.34 10.04 0.00 45.63 908 257.39 42.53 3.60 6.80 CH 2.4906 63.1 1435 652 215 36.16 10.04 25.58 42.53 902 266.58 42.83 3.25 7.70CH 2.9 811 63.7 1181 642 166 38.81 10.04 0.00 42.83 903 181.05 44.143.15 7.90 SE   2.6 788 64.6 1219 696 166 39.99 10.04 0.00 44.14 906203.41 50.74 2.74 9.00 CH 3.1 748 69.6 1075 620 166 45.97 10.04 0.0050.74 905 183.21 42.67 3.26 7.60 SE   2.3 768 63.7 1205 664 166 38.6610.04 0.00 42.67 904 216.42 44.13 3.10 8.10 CH 2.5 809 63.6 1272 606 21540.68 10.04 0.00 44.13 910 171.61 49.23 2.75 9.00 CH 3.0 792 64.4 1229632 215 45.38 10.04 0.00 49.23 911 172.01 50.52 2.75 9.10 CH 1.2 68663.2 1035 628 166 45.77 10.04 0.00 50.52 909 245.58 43.41 3.15 7.90 CH3.8 893 65.0 1373 696 215 40.01 10.04 0.00 43.41 AVG 202.6 45.583 3.0838.13 0   2.6 794 65 1223 649 186 41.277 10.04 2.558 45.583 LOT AVERAGEAVG 183.63 43.34 2.61 6.42 2.91 703 59 1090 548 174 39.60 9.65 3.5843.34 STD 15.02 1.22 3.06 1.21 230 19 356 185 59 13.72 3.11 8.66 15.02MAX 329.96 66.00 3.93 9.70 5.00 915 70 1435 736 231 62.00 11.36 33.2566.00 MIN −129.50 39.00 2.23 5.69 1.20 661 62 1022 460 162 36.00 10.040.00 39.00 RANG 469.46 27.00 1.70 4.01 3.80 254 8 413 276 69 26.00 1.3233.25 27.00

TABLE 4A Feedlot Business System Type in three letters ahs to start theAnimal Health Program 1. Type FMS 2. TERM = (ANSI) typeway150      Feedlot Business System       Agri Research Database          ver.4.1          Mar. 03, 1994          Enter user ID            AccessMicro-System 3. Push the DEL key on the keyboard 4. S Type ECM   ELECTRONIC CATTLE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 0 - Exit 1 - Perform an ECMSession 2 - Modify ECM Session Configuration 3 - Print the Results of anECM Session 5. Type 1 then press the Enter key    ELECTRONIC CATTLEMANAGEMENT PROGRAM Currently defined Session Types: 1   2   3   4 ChooseSession Type from above list 6. Type 2 then press the Enter key

TABLE 4B  1 - Session Types: 2  2 - Description: Demo  3 - Processcontrol computer present? [yes]  4 - Unused [no]  5 - Type of Sorting ?[AR]  6 - Read Electronic Ear Tags? [yes]  7 - Insert New Visual EarTags ? [no]  8 - Cattle Type? [not Recorded]  9 - Frame Type? [notRecorded] 10 - Flesh Type? [not Recorded] 11 - AGE? [not Recorded] 12 -Weight ? [Automatically] 13 - Back Fat ? [Automatically] 14 - Loin Depth? [not Recorded] 15 - Rump Height? [Keyed In] 16 - Rump Width ? [notRecorded] 17 - Shoulder Height ? [not Recorded] 18 - Shoulder Width?[not Recorded] 19 - Top Length ? [not Recorded] 20 - Body Length ? [notRecorded] 21 - Girth ? [not Recorded] Enter row = to change, 0 to finishor 99 to delete session 7. Type 0 then push the Enter key  1 - SortName: AR  2 - Description:  3 - Sorting Criteria? [Optimum END date] 4 - FLEX Sort? [yes]  5 - FLEX pen Number? [3]  6 - Sort Pen Count? [3]Number to change -or- 0 when finished 8. Type 0 then push the Enter keyNumber of head to be sorted in the Session

TABLE 4C How many Animals should be sorted into each group 1 - Sort Pen1 final count  ? 2 - Sort Pen 2 final count  ? 3 - Flex Pen 3 finalcount  ? 4 - Sort Pen 4 final count  ? Number to Change -or- 0 whenfinished 9. Type 0 then press Enter key ELECTRONIC CATTLE MANAGEMENTPROGRAM Animal ?? of ?? Lot Pen Sort Pen Head Count EID Tag 0 1 0 Frame0 2 0 Weight 0 FLEX 0 Rump Ht. 4 0 Back fat 5 0 OED Dec. 31, 1999 6 010. Are these cattle all from the same lot? 11. . . . And what is thislot? 12. Are these cattle all from the same pen? 13. . . . And what isthis pen? 14. Enter the Date that sorting occurred (usually today'sdate)? Trying to establish communication with Process Control Computer

TABLE 4D Process Control Setup 1. Power on computer C:ECM> 2. Type ECM***ENTER RUN PARAMETERS*** LOG FILE NAME    3. Enter today's date 040194Sort Types: 0 - No Sort 1 - FBS Sort 2 - Weight 3 - Days of Feed Sort4 - Manual Sort Enter Sort Type == 4. If you Enter 0 go to #9 5. If youEnter 1 go to #16 6. If you Enter 2 go to #17 7. If you Enter 3 go to#37 8. If you Enter 4 go to #60 Sort Type 0 9. Catch Heads (Y N) == 10.Squeeze Animals (Y N) == 11. Weigh Animals (Y N) == 12. Read ElectronicID (Y N) == 13. Do Animals already have EID Tags (Y N) == 14. Read BackFat (Y N) == 15. Take Video Measurements (Y N) == ECM Computer is Readyto go

TABLE 4E Sort Type 1 16. Is this a Flex Grop Sort (Y N) == If Y theprogram will Start If N go to step #9 Sort Type 2 17. Minimum Weght forPen 1 == 18. Maximum Weight for Pen 1 == 19. Minimum Weight for Pen 2 ==20. Maximum Weight for Pen 2 == 21. Minimum Weight for Pen 3 == 22.Maximum Weight for Pen 3 == 23. Minimum Weight for Pen 4 == 24. MaximumWeight for Pen 4 == 25. Minimum Weight for Pen 5 == 26. Maximum Weightfor Pen 5 == 27. Minimum Weight for Pen 6 == 28. Maximum Weight for Pen6 == 29. Minimum Weight for Pen 7 == 30. Maximum Weight for Pen 7 == 31.Lot Number == 32. Source Pen Number == 33. Head Count == 34. Breed Frametype == 35. Average Weight == 36. Go To #9

TABLE 4F 37. Sort Type 3 38. Minimum Weight for Pen 1 === 39. MaximumWeight for Pen 1 === 40. Minimum Weight for Pen 2 === 41. Maximum Weightfor Pen 2 === 42. Minimum Weight for Pen 3 === 43. Maximum Weight forPen 3 === 44. Minimum Weight for Pen 4 === 45. Maximum Weight for Pen 4=== 46. Minimum Weight for Pen 5 === 47. Maximum Weight for Pen 5 ===48. Minimum Weight for Pen 6 === 49. Maximum Weight for Pen 6 === 50.Minimum Weight for Pen 7 === 51. Maximum Weight for Pen 7 === 52. LotNumber === 53. Source Number === 54. Head Count === 55. Breed, FrameType === 56. Average Weight === 57. Out Weight === 58. Average DailyGain === Days on Feed??? (calculated by computer) 59. Go To #9 60. SortType 4 61. Go To #9

Animal Health History

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor providing up-to-date health histories of animals. These processsteps and system components can be used in conjunction with evaluationof an animal's respiratory or circulatory condition, as discussed above.For example, information gather by imaging and evaluating an animal'srespiratory or circulatory system, such as respiratory damagedesignations, can be entered into the described electronic systemcomponents and processed alone or with other animal characteristics asdescribed below.

Referring now to FIG. 31, there is shown an animal 1011 and an operator1211 in an area of a cattle feedlot referred to as an animal hospital1411. An animal 1011 may be brought to the hospital 1411 for a check onits physical condition, for treatments that are administered to allanimals in a particular lot, and if an animal is to be individuallytreated for sickness. Typically, the animal hospital 1411 includes acattle chute and a head gate (not shown) for holding the animalstationary while its weight and temperature are checked and any drugsare administered.

As indicated in FIG. 31, the system in this embodiment includes aportable hospital unit 1611 that can be transported to the hospital 1411for use by the operator 1211. This portability enables the operator tocare for cattle with a single unit at several hospitals located aroundthe feedlot rather than at a single hospital to which all cattle must bedirected. Coupled to the portable unit 1611 is a means for entering datainto the unit such as an optical character reader, which in this firstembodiment comprises a portable bar code scanner 1811 available from anumber of sources including the MSI Data Corporation under the nameSYMBOLTEC LS8100. The scanner 1811, which is stored in a holster 2011mounted to a side of the unit 1611, is adapted to read indicia meanssuch as an ear tag 2211 bearing optical characters such as a bar codefor uniquely identifying each animal. Rather than having to write downthe animal's identifying number on a sheet, therefore, the operator 1211need only scan the ear tag 2211 and the identifying number iselectronically read and accurately recorded within the unit 1611. Theportable unit also includes a character menu sheet 2411 that bearsoptical characters such as bar codes corresponding to treatment datacomprising the observed physical condition of the animal as well as drugtreatments that may be administered. The sheet 2411 is mounted behind aclear plastic door of the unit 1611 and includes bar codes on thesheet's left and right margins. The bar codes on the left margin are forentering identification numbers of drugs, numerical quantities, and menuselection steps during program execution. The bar codes on the rightmargin are for entering sickness codes, sex of the animal, and commandsfor scrolling through the prior health history, for entering data andfor quitting after observation or treatment is concluded. The operatorcan thus enter the identity of the animal and treatment data by simplyscanning the menu sheet 2411 with the scanner 1811. The treatment datais recorded along with the animal's identifying number within the unit1611. Visual feedback to the operator 1211 of the prior health historyand the data just entered is provided by a display device such as videomonitor 2511. The monitor 2511 also displays the program promptsprovided to the operator 1211 by the unit 1611 for entering the data, aswill be described in detail hereafter.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing the elements within the chassisof the unit 1611. The scanner 1811 is connected via a spring cord to aconventional laser interface module 2611 such as MSI Data CorporationModel 1365 for communicating data represented by optical characters to aportable terminal 2811. The data terminal 2811 is of conventional designsuch as a PDTIII available from the MSI Data Corporation and includes amicroprocessor, associated memory for storing an instruction program andfor recording data, a keyboard 2911 for data entry, and a display 30 fordisplaying executing programs and recorded data. The keyboard 2911 isreached through the door opening of the unit 1611 and is an alternativeto the scanner 1811 for entering data that is not bar coded, such as thetime and date of treatment and the lot number of the animal, or if thescanner malfunctions. Also shown in the schematic is an optional liquidcrystal display (LCD) screen 3211 connected to the terminal 28 through areset switch 3411, a power switch 3511, and a selector switch 3611. Thereset switch 3411 reinitializes the module 2611. The switch 3511controls power to the scanner 1811 and LCD screen 3211 to electricallydisconnect them when not required by the operator. The selector switch3611 directs the data that is entered via the scanner 1811 into theterminal 2811 to either the LCD screen 3211 (visible through thetransparent door of unit 1611 above the menu sheet 2411) or to the videomonitor 2511 via a serial data connector 3811 such as an RS232 port.These additional display devices are optionally available because of thedifficulty in reading the display 3011 from a distance. The LCD screen3211 is normally selected by a single operator while the monitor 2511 isusually employed when a crew is working in the hospital 1411 and anumber of the members must view the display simultaneously. The powersource for the unit 1611 is a battery 4011 which is charged through apower supply line via the connector 3811.

Referring to FIG. 33, the data treatment recorded by the unit 1611 isperiodically transferred to a host computer 5011 remote from the animalhospital 1411 to update the health histories of observed and treatedanimals. The host computer 5011 is intended for collecting data onfeedlot operations in general and maintains the cumulative healthhistory of each animal in the feedlot. The portable unit 1611 whentransferring the data is coupled to the host computer 5011 via aconducting cable 5211. The computer 5011 in turn is adapted to collectthe treatment data recorded within the portable unit 1611 and produce anaccumulation of such data associated with each animal. This accumulationof data comprises the animal's health history. After the current data istransferred, the computer 5011 is programmed to transfer to unit 1611 inreturn the up-to-date health history of each animal as well as currentfeedlot information, such as newly established lot numbers. The cable5211 also includes the power supply line for charging the battery 4011within the unit 1611.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram showing the elements comprising thecomputer 5011. The computer itself is of conventional design andincludes a video monitor 5411 for displaying data and a keyboard 5611for data entry. The computer 5011 includes an interface board 5811 forreceiving data entered via a second bar code scanner 6211 and a secondlaser interface module 6411. The interface board 5811 transfers the datato and from a central microprocessor 6611 equipped with internal memoryand disk drives. Data and instruction programs stored in memory and ondisk can be viewed on monitor 5411. The computer 5011 is also connectedto a printer 6811 for printing the health histories and other relateddocuments. Power is supplied to the computer through a conventionalpower supply 7211. The power supply 7211 is also coupled to a batterycharger 7411 which supplies power for the unit 1611. The up-to-dateanimal health histories, programming, and other feedlot information aretransmitted as serial data from the computer 5011 along with power tothe unit 1611 via a connector 7611 coupled to the cable 5211.

The host computer 5011 serves a number of functions in addition tocollecting treatment data to produce health histories for each animaltreated. One related function is tracking inventory of drugs fortreatment of the animals. Referring again to FIG. 34, computer 5011 islocated adjacent to a drug room 7711 which stores drug inventory. Eachdrug container 7811 is labeled with a bar code 7911 for identifying thedrugs therein and a menu sheet 8011 is present for entering the amountof drugs within each container when removed for drug treatment and theamount remaining in each container when returned for restocking or whenadditional amounts are added to inventory. The computer 5011 isprogrammed to compare the net amount of drugs taken from the inventoryas communicated by the scanner 6211 against the amount of drugs used intreatment in the animal hospital 1411 as communicated by the scanner1811. The difference between the two amounts over a predetermined timecan thereby be determined for monitoring loss due to breakage, theft,etc. This difference, as well as the comparable amounts, are printed atrequest as a drug usage report as will be described.

FIG. 35 shows a second embodiment of the system for possible use where acontinuous source of power such as AC power is available in the hospital1411. The system includes a remote “dumb” terminal comprising thescanner 1811, the video display 2511, and a keyboard 7511, all incommunication with the host computer 5011 through a node 8311 thatincludes communication ports and a power supply. The terminal acts anextension of host computer 5011, relaying treatment data to the computerin real time and displaying the up-to-date health histories transferredto the display from the host computer. This real time communication,when possible, avoids the need for physically moving the portable unitto the host computer and the delay in updating the prior healthhistories of the animals.

FIG. 35 also shows data entry means such as a transmitter-receiverantenna 8511 and indicia means such as transponder 8711 attached to anear for identifying the animal 1011. The antenna is preferably of a typesimilar to an RDREO1, integrater reader available from AllflexInternational and the tag is preferably a transponder of the typesimilar to an EID ear tag also available from Allflex International. Theantenna is mounted along side the cattle chute 8911 and emits a signalthat reaches the transponder 8711 when animal 1011 passes by the antenna8511. The tag 8711 in response emits a unique signal identifying theanimal, which is electronically “read” by the antenna 8711 andcommunicated to the host computer 5011 via a computer interface unit9111 such as a CIUMO1 from Allflex International. Alternatively, thetransponder 8711 may be an active transmitter that continuously emits aradio signal for reception by a passive antenna 8511. This means forautomatically identifying the animal avoids the delay associated withthe operator having to move to each animal for identifying it byscanning the ear tag. The entry of treatment data, however, is handledin the same manner as in the first embodiment, with the scanner 1811utilized to scan bar codes on menu sheet 2411 corresponding to physicalconditions and any drug treatment administered to the animal. Thekeyboard 7511, however, is available if data cannot be entered via theantenna 8511 or scanner 1811.

The computer 5011 and data terminal 2811 within unit 1611 are programmedin BASIC, according to the method illustrated in the flowcharts of FIGS.36 through 38. FIGS. 36A and B show the options available to theoperator upon logging onto the computer 5011. A main menu (8111) appearswith three options. An inventory menu (8211) is selected for workingwith the drug inventory; a hospital/processing menu (8411) is selectedfor working with the cattle feedlot records; or the procedure formonitoring the removal and restocking of drugs is selected as drugs areto be used, such as in the animal hospital 1411. With this third option,the operator scans the bar code 7911 of the containers 7811 that containdrugs required for treatment. He is then prompted to specify the purposeof the drug (8611), specify the cattle lots the drug is being used for(8811), and to enter the drug amounts removed and restocked (9011). Thisdata is used to adjust the book inventory stored within the computer'smemory (9211). The entry of data is indicated by “carriage returns”(CR).

The inventory menu option (8211) is selected for monitoring theinventory. For example, one choice thereunder is to print the dailyinventory report, with the book inventory, restocking information, andtransactions grouped by product (9411). Another option is to manuallyadjust the inventory in case of a breakage of drugs within the inventory(9611). Other options include monitoring the difference between physicalinventory as determined by a count and book inventory as determined bythe checking in and checking out of drugs previously described. From theinventory menu (8211), the operator can also enter the physicalinventory for comparison against the book inventory (9811). Thedifference between physical inventory and book inventory of each product(1001) can then be presented. The actual physical usage as determined bya physical inventory of the drugs can be compared with the amountadministered (1021). The totals can then be adjusted as appropriate(1041). The operator can additionally print the net amount taken frominventory for drug treatment against the amount recorded from theportable unit 16 (1051) as administered.

The third option of the main menu (8111), the hospital/processing menu(8411), enables the operator to set up new lots for cattle brought intothe feedlot and to prepare group drug treatments known as processingorders and hospital treatments which are administered to the animals.Referring now to FIG. 37B, a first option is a lot number menu (1061)appearing at the right of the figure and is selected whenever a newcattle lot is to be set up (1081). This menu allows the operator to addheader information to the lot (110), change the header information(1121), or review the lots presently within the feedlot operation(1141). The lot menu (1061) also includes an option for deleting acattle lot (1161) after the cattle within the lot have been shipped fromthe feedlot.

A second option under the hospital processing menu is a processing ordermenu (1181). Within this menu is a command for adding a processing order(1201). First, a number is assigned to a unique combination of drugs tobe administered as the processing order or treatment (1221). The drugsdesired are then selected (1241), and the dosages per head or per 100pounds are entered (1261). The selection of drugs and dosages are thenrepeated until the processing order is complete (1271). The menu (1181)also permits the operator to print a list of current processing orders(1281) or delete an existing processing order (1301). An operator canalso view a present processing order (1321) and change it if desired(1341) by changing the drugs or their amounts (1361).

Referring now to FIG. 37A, a third option under the hospital/processingmenu (8411) is a hospital treatment menu (1371). Hospital treatmentsdiffer from processing orders in that hospital treatments are normallyintended for specific sicknesses and include a combination of drugs fortreating that sickness. Processing orders, on the other hand, are notdirected to specific sicknesses and are typically administered to allcattle in a lot, outside the animal hospital 1411. The hospitaltreatment menu (1371) includes basically the same selections as in theprocessing order menu (1181) and for brevity descriptions of theselections therein are not repeated here.

The other options under the hospital/processing menu (8411) include anoption (1381) at the left of FIG. 37A enabling the operator to assignand record treatments for the animals without entering the data throughthe portable unit 16. This option minimizes data entry where it is knownthat all cattle in a given lot will receive a specified treatment. Theoption (1381) includes a command for updating the figures for drugs usedin each hospital treatment (1401). A similar option (1421) allows theoperator to assign one or more drugs or processing orders to one or morelots. The operator can print the processing sheet for each order (1441)and also has the ability to update figures in the orders for the drugsused (1461).

Just as he can assign drugs and treatments to lots, the operator has theoption of deleting and editing treatments (1481). These options includedeleting previously assigned treatments (1501), editing existingtreatments for a given animal (1521), and entering new hospitaltreatments for a given animal (1541).

Communication via cable 5211 with the portable unit 1611 is also handledthrough the hospital/processing menu (8411). The menu (8411) allows theoperator to print the daily hospital report (1561) of the animalstreated as well as receive the day's hospital treatment from theportable (1581). The daily treatments are stored on disk in appropriatelot files (1601). The operator can also print the day's hospital andprocessing activity with cost information (1621). The updated healthhistory and new lot numbers are then be downloaded into the portableunit 16 to keep it current (1641). The program also updates in memorythe amount of drugs used in treating each animal (1661).

One concern of feedlots is the shipping of cattle not yet suitable forconsumption. A further option under the menu (8411) allows the operatorto check when a lot may be shipped (1681) by entering the lot number andestimated shipping date (1701). Animals that are not ready for shippingwithin the lot are then displayed by number (1721).

Referring again to FIG. 37B, an operator selects the report/printoutmenu option (1741) whenever a report on treatments administered for eachlot is required. Under menu (1741), an operator can print a treatmentreport which indicates all hospital treatments between any two givendates (1761). The operator may also print the lot reports which indicateall treatment with drug cost, both processing and hospital, administeredto a specified lot since a lot was created (1781). A third selection isfor summarizing information on each lot by simply printing the header(1801).

One other option shown allows the operator under menu (8411) to enterthe sickness names such as bloat, prolapse, etc., that will berecognized by the portable unit 1611 and will appear on menu sheet 2411(1861). If the sickness codes are changed at the hospital/processingmenu, the menu sheet 2411 is also updated.

The treatment data recorded in the portable unit 1611 during a treatmentsession is entered in response to prompts from the instructional programstored within the terminal 2811. FIGS. 38A-38C illustrate the operationof this program. Referring to FIG. 38A, the program prompts the operator1211 on the display such as video monitor 2511 to enter the date andtime of treatment via the keyboard 2911 (2001). A main menu (2021) thenappears on the monitor 2511, which gives the operator several choices.One choice allows the operator to include and exclude various promptsand verifications of entered data which appear throughout the figure.Deletion of verifications, shown in these flowcharts, may be made byexperienced operators who known the program operation well. The secondchoice commands the unit 1611 to transfer its data to the host computer5011. A third choice allows for the entry of treatment data initially.

The operator thus begins treatment with this third choice by scanningthe appropriate number on the menu sheet 2411. He is then prompted toscan the ear tag of the animal to be treated or key in the tag number toidentify the animal to the unit 1611 (2031). If he scans the tag, thenumber is automatically verified (2041). If keyed in, the ear tag numberis then displayed so that the operator may visually verify his entry(2051) before scanning a CR. Once the ear tag has been verified, theprogram checks to see if the animal is new or has a previous treatmenthistory (2061). If the animal does have a record, the monitor 2511displays the last treatment for the animal (2081). The operator can thenscroll through previous treatments (2101) via commands on menu sheet 24to determine the health history of the animal (2121). The operator canalso quit the program by scanning the quit command on the menu sheet2411. The quit option is always available throughout the program, thoughnot repeatedly shown in the figure for clarity. All data entered beforethe quit command is invoked is recorded. On the other hand, the operatorcan always “bail out” of the program if trouble develops therein byscanning the numerals 9999. No data entered during a treatment sessionis saved if the operator “bails out.”

If no previous treatments have been administered, the operator entersthe lot number through keyboard 2911 (2131) and scans the CR. Theprogram then compares the lot number with those stored in memory. If itis a new lot number, the program alerts the operator that it is includedand prompts for reentry. Entering the same number a second timeestablishes the lot number. The program then prompts the operator toverify his entry (2141), which he does by a CR scan.

The operator is then prompted to enter a sickness code (2161), such as arespiratory or intestinal condition, appearing on the menu sheet 2411.The code is then displayed momentarily for the operator's verification(2201). If the sickness code entered indicates the animal is dead(2221), this data is stored immediately (2241) and the treatment sessionis ended. If the animal is merely sick, however, the operator isprompted for the severity of the illness and enters a severity codenumber in response such as 1, 2, or 3 (2261) from the menu sheet 2411.

Following entry of the animal's identity and sickness diagnosis, theoperator may be prompted for other physical conditions such as theanimal's temperature. Referring to FIG. 38B, he enters the temperature(2321) in response, and it is displayed by the program for operatorverification. The last recorded temperature is also displayed (2341).The program then prompts the operator for the animal's destination, andthe operator enters the pen type and particular pen number by scanningthe corresponding numbers on the menu screen 2411 (2401, 2421). Thesepen types include home pens, recovery pens, or hospital pens such ashospital 1411.

Following the intended destination, the operator is prompted to enternumbers identifying the drug or hospital treatment to be administered tothe animal (2441). Each individual drug and hospital treatment has aunique identification number. If the number entered by the operator isgreater than 1000, i.e., has four digits, then the program determinesthat an individual drug is to be administered (2461). The identificationnumber is then checked against a stored list to determine if it is valid(2481). The operator is alerted if the number is invalid, and he mayattempt reentry (2501). Once a valid identification number has beenentered, the program checks to determine if the drug requires awithdrawal date (2521). Certain drugs require that the animal be kept inthe feedlot for a period of time after it is administered a drug toprevent undesired side effects to consumers. The program has storedwithin it the time period for each drug and calculates from thetreatment data the earliest release date of the animal thereafter. Ifthe drug has a withdrawal problem, the information is displayed (2541)and the operator is given the opportunity to reconsider administeringthe drug (2561). If no withdrawal date is displayed or if the operatorchooses to administer the drug in any event, the program then promptsthe operator to enter the number of units to be administered (2581). Theamount entered is checked against an allowable dosage range to protectthe animal from an overdose. The portable unit 1611 then verifies thenumber of units to be administered (2601). This drug treatment data isstored within the memory of the terminal 2811 for later transfer to thecomputer 5011 (2621). The operator is then queried if more treatmentsare to be given the animal in the present treatment session (2641).

Administering and recording hospital treatments are similar to the stepsfollowed for individual drugs. Returning to step (2461) and thenreferring to FIG. 38C, an entered number less than 1000, i.e., twodigits, is first verified by the operator as a hospital treatment number(2661) via a scanned CR. The program then checks to see if the numberentered is a valid treatment number (2681). The operator is alerted ifthe number is invalid (2701). If the number is valid, the program thendetermines if there is a withdrawal problem with this treatment (2721)and displays the appropriate information if such problem exists (2741).The operator again has the option to proceed or choose another treatmentor drug (2761). The program also determines whether the treatment has aweight dependent dosage (2781). If so, the program prompts the operatorto enter the animal's weight (2801), which must fall within apredetermined range to be accepted as valid. The entered weight is thenverified by the operator (2821) via a scanned CR, and the programcalculates and displays the dosages to be administered (2841). Theoperator at this point can accept or reject the treatment as calculated(2861). If accepted and administered, the amount of treatment is thenstored (2881).

The operator is then prompted to determine if further drugs or treatmentis to be administered to the particular animal (2901) in this treatmentsession. If treatment is finished, all data is then stored within thememory of the terminal 2811 and the operator proceeds to examine thenext animal. Once treatment is concluded, the operator quits the program(2921).

At the conclusion of the day or other predetermined reporting period,the unit 1611 is carried to the location of the computer 5011 and thetwo connected by cable 5211. Referring again to FIG. 38A, the operatorthen initiates data transfer via the main menu of the program within theunit 1611 (2021). The appropriate commands are first selected on thehost computer 5011 (1561-1601). The operator then enters a transfercommand in response to a prompt (2941), and the data is transferred(2961). The transferred data is collected to update the health historiesof the animals treated in that session. The updated health histories arethen transferred back to the terminal 2811 for review and display insteps (2081) through (2121).

Where the “dumb” terminal is employed in place of the portable unit1611, the instructional program illustrated in FIGS. 38A-C is storedwithin the memory of the host computer 5011. No recording of data forlater transfer, however, is required.

Tissue Analysis

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor measuring tissue characteristics of animals. Many of the processsteps and system components described in this subsection can be used togather information about an animal's respiratory or circulatorycondition.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram, which illustrates certain components for anembodiment. FIG. 39 also illustrates certain fluid and electricinterconnections between these components. The illustrated embodimentincludes switch unit 4161 and handpiece 4181. A monitor 4201 (not shown)also is used. Power source 4221 is electrically coupled to each unitrequiring power. More specifically, power source 4221 is electricallycoupled to control computer 4241 by cable 4261, to ultrasound computer4281 by cable 4301, to input/output module 4321 by cable 4341, and topump 4361 using cable 4381. Pump 4361 is controlled by pump control4401, which is electrically coupled to a three-way solenoid valve 4421by cable 4441. A data cable 4461 interconnects control computer 4241 andultrasound computer 4281. FIG. 39 also illustrates that the ultrasoundcomputer 4281 is electrically coupled to switch unit 4161 by cable 4481.Input/output module 4321 also is electrically coupled to the handpiece4181 by cable 4501.

Pump 4361 is fluidly coupled to reservoir 4521, which contains aconductive fluid, by fluid conduit 4541. Pump 4361 is further fluidlycoupled to switch unit 4161 by fluid line 4561. As shown in FIG. 39, aquick disconnect 4581 may be placed in fluid line 4561. This quickdisconnect 4581 is provided solely for convenience, and allows the pumpfluid line 4561 to be quickly disconnected from handpiece 4181.

Each of the individual lines, namely electric cables 4481, 4501, andfluid line 4561, are interfaced with the handpiece 4181 by switch unit4161. Each of the components of the apparatus can be individuallyactuated using the switches 4601, 4621 and 4641 on switch unit 4161.Thus, by depressing the appropriate switch, each function of theapparatus can be actuated.

The components of the apparatus mentioned above will now be described inmore detail. Power source 4221 is a conventional piece of equipment thatcan be obtained commercially. Virtually any power source now known orhereafter developed that can safely power sensitive electronicapparatuses.

Control computer 4241 also is a conventional piece of equipment, and anycomputer which has sufficient capability to control and interface withultrasound computer 4281 will suffice. One example, without limitation,of a control computer 4241 suitable for this operation is an IBM PC.Control computer 4241 controls certain functions of the ultrasoundcomputer 4281. Commercial software is available for operating thecontrol computer 4241 to control ultrasound computer 4281. One exampleof software suitable for this operation is sold by Animal UltrasoundServices, Inc., of Ithaca, N.Y.

The present apparatus operates by generating and transmitting intolivestock an ultrasound energy pulse. This energy pulse is produced andcontrolled by ultrasound computer 4281 and ultrasound transducer 4661.Each of these components can be purchased. One example of an ultrasoundapparatus is an ALOKA 500 V Ultrasound Computer. The ALOKA 500 V ispurchased in combination with an ultrasound transducer 4661 andtransducer cable 4681 for coupling the transducer 4661 to the computer4281.

Input/output module 4321 controls the signals input to and from computer4241 and to the components housed in handpiece 4181. Again, the I/Omodule 4321 is a conventional piece of equipment, and virtually anyinput/output module 4321. One prototype was assembled using an OPTO 22I/O board. The OPTO 22 I/O board includes: a 1AC5Q input module; aPB16HQ circuit board; a B1 brainboard; a PBSA PP/S power supply; and anOAC5Q output module.

A pump 4361 pumps conductive liquid to handpiece 4181. The conductiveliquid is contained in reservoir 4521. Any conductive liquid likely willwork. The selection of a suitable conductive liquid will best be decidedby considering, inter alia, the conductivity of the liquid, the expenseof the liquid, the availability of the liquid and the toxicity of theliquid. Solely by way of example, suitable conductive liquids may beselected from the group of conductive liquids consisting of water,vegetable oil and mineral oil. Pump 4361 is liquidly connected toconductive liquid reservoir 4521 using liquid conduit 4541, which wasmade from flexible TIGON tubing. A pressure equalization tube 4701, alsomade from TIGON tubing, couples the liquid reservoir 4521 and the pump4361. Pressure equalization tube 4701 equalizes the pressure between thepump 4361 and the reservoir 4521 when the pump 4361 is not in operation.This helps prevent liquid leaks from reservoir 4521.

Conductive liquid is dispensed from reservoir 4521 upon actuation of thepump 4361. Liquid dispensation is controlled by a three-way solenoidvalve 4421, which is electrically coupled to pump control 4401.Three-way valve 4421 can be electrically actuated by switch 4601, whichis housed in switch unit 4161. This dispenses conductive liquid fromreservoir 4521 through liquid conduits 4541 and 4561 to handpiece 4181.When the pump 4361 is not in use, the solenoid valve is open to pressureequalization tube 4701 to equalize the pressure between the pump 4361and reservoir 4521. Liquid back flow from handpiece 4181 can be checkedby a check valve 4721, which is mechanically coupled to the handpiece4181.

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram of the switch unit 4161, handpiece 4181,cables 4481, 4501, and liquid conduit 4561. FIG. 40 shows transducer4661 separated from handpiece 4181. FIG. 40 further shows thatultrasound transducer 4661 is surrounded by a clear protective housing4741. Housing 4741 performs at least two functions. First, housing 4741protects ultrasound transducer 4661 from contact damage. Furthermore,protective-housing 4741 facilitates the positioning of transducer 4661in handpiece 4181 as described below. The protective housing 4741 in aprototype illustrated in FIG. 40 was made from TIGON tubing sized totightly receive transducer 4661 therein.

FIG. 41 is a schematic top plan view and FIG. 42 is an end viewillustrating switch unit 4161. In a prototype, switch unit 4161 was madefrom a polypropylene block that was machined to include passages 4761and 4781 therethrough. Conduit 4761 provides a passage through switchunit 4161 for liquid line 4561. Passage 4781 provides a passage throughswitch unit 4161 for electric cables 4481 and 4501. Switch unit 4161includes three switches 4601, 4621 and 4641. The switches includeconductive liquid switch 4601, trigger switch 4621 for commanding thecomputer to read and analyze the image, and reset switch 4641 forclearing a previous reading to prepare for rereading an animal orreading a new animal. These switches and their functions also areillustrated in FIG. 46. Switch 4601 actuates liquid pump 4361 so thatconductive liquid from reservoir 4521 is pumped through liquid line 4561and into handpiece 4181. The amount of time that pump 4361 operates isgoverned by a timer switch on pump 4361 (not shown). Thus, by actuatingswitch 4601, pump 4361 is induced to pump conductive liquid fromreservoir 4521 for the period of time allowed by the timer switch on thepump. In a current prototype, the pump 4361 is actuated for a period ofless than about 5 seconds, and typically about 3 seconds, during whichtime less than about 50 milliliters, and more typically about 30milliliters, is pumped from reservoir 4521 to the handpiece 4181.

A second switch 4621 is electrically coupled to the ultrasound computer4281 by cable 4481. Switch 4621 activates the computer 4281 to read andanalyze the ultrasound image that is produced by transducer 4661 asdisplayed on monitor 4201. Thus, once the transducer 4661 is correctlypositioned, operator 4141 depresses switch 4621 to cause the computer4281 to read the ultrasound image.

A third switch 4641 also is provided on switch unit 4161. Switch 4641 isa reset switch electrically coupled to input/output module 4321 by cable4501. Switch 4641 is depressed by operator 4141 when the image has beenread by computer 4281 or when the operator wants to discard a previousreading and record a new reading of a given animal's image. This caninclude reapplying conductive liquid from the handpiece 4181 onto theanimal. This resets the computer 4241 and input/output module 4321 forreceiving new information from a different animal 4101.

FIGS. 42-44 further illustrate the construction of handpiece 4181. FIG.43 is a side schematic view of the housing 4181. Housing 4181 ismanufactured for this particular application, and can be manufacturedfrom a number of suitable materials. The embodiment of a prototypeillustrated in FIGS. 42-44 was manufactured from polypropylene. A blockof polypropylene having suitable dimensions was obtained and thenmachined to have substantially the appearance illustrated in FIGS.42-44.

More particularly, handpiece 4181 is machined to include a threadedinlet 4801 for receiving liquid line 4561. Any suitable means forcoupling the liquid line 4561 to housing 4181 will suffice. FIGS. 42-44illustrate a male threaded connection 4821 which is inserted intothreaded portion 4841 of passage 4801 to couple liquid line 4561 tohousing 4181. Housing 4181 also is machined to include a passage 4861for interconnecting liquid inlet 4801 and a liquid conduit 4881. Liquidconduit 4861 is closed using a threaded plug 4901, and liquid conduit4881 is closed by a threaded plug 4921.

FIG. 44 is a bottom plan view and FIG. 45 is an end view of thehandpiece 4181. FIGS. 44 and 45 illustrate a longitudinal slot 4941recessed in the bottom surface of the handpiece 4181. Slot 4941 is sizedto receive the transducer 4661 and protective cover 4741. If, however,the transducer 4661 and cover 4741 are not received sufficiently tightlyin slot 4941 to hold the ultrasound transducer 4661 securely therein, anadditional polypropylene wedge (not shown) can be used to wedgeultrasound transducer 4661 and protective cover 4741 inside the slot4941.

FIG. 44 also illustrates that leading to and intersecting with theconduit 4881 are plural output orifices 4961 a-4961 h. These orifices4961 a-4961 h are fed by liquid line 4561. Thus, as a conductive liquidenters the handpiece 4181 through liquid line 4561 and inlet 4801, theconductive liquid flows through the passage 4861, into passage 4881 andthereafter through the plural orifices 4961 a-4961 h and onto animal4101. The spacing of these plural orifices 4961 a-4961 h is notcritical. The embodiment illustrated in the figures has a relativespacing of approximately one-half inch between each respective orifice4961 a-4961 h.

FIG. 44 also illustrates that the handpiece 4181 includes pluralposition markings 4981 a-4981 e. As stated above, transducer 4661 andprotective cover 4741 are positioned in slot 4941. The transducer 4661and cover 4741 are firmly wedged into the slot 4941 and betweensidewalls 5001 and 5021. A mid-portion of the transducer 4664 iscentered on one of these respective positioning marks 4981 a-4981 edepending upon the size of the animal, before the transducer is fixed inits selected position relative to end wall 5041. More specifically, thesmaller the animal, the closer transducer 4661 is positioned to end wall5041 of slot 4941.

The preceding paragraphs describe one embodiment of an ultrasoundapparatus. This section discusses how to operate the apparatus, withparticular reference to measuring tissue characteristics of cattle at apacking plant.

Cattle are conveyed seriatim using conveyor 5001 to a tissue analysiszone 5021 in a packing plant. As illustrated in FIGS. 47 and 48, theultrasound device and computer control system described above can beused to analyze the tissue characteristics of the stunned ruminant atthe packing plant. With transducer 4661 transmitting continuousultrasound signals, the operator positions handpiece 4181 on the back ofthe animal 5101. The operation of the apparatus is not criticallyaffected by the positioning of the apparatus on the back of the animal,but its positioning is important for obtaining accurate measurement dataof a desired internal tissue characteristic. Transducer 4661 can bepositioned between the twelfth and thirteenth rib, and typically isfocused on the rib-eye muscle approximately three-quarters of the waydown the muscle. Once housing 4181 is correctly positioned, the operatorthen actuates switch 4601 to dispense a predetermined amount ofconductive liquid from reservoir 4521 onto the back of the stunnedruminant 5101. A sufficient amount of the conductive liquid is dispensedonto the ruminant 5101 through line 4561, passages 4861 and 4881, andorifices 4961 a-4961 h to obtain a clear image on a monitor (not shown).The amount of liquid dispensed is not critical, except that there mustbe enough to obtain a clear signal from the ultrasound transducer 4661.Solely by way of example, less than about 50 milliliters, and moretypically about 30 milliliters, of conductive liquid should suffice.Pump 4361 can be actuated for particular predetermined lengths of time.The pump speed also can be controlled. The combination of controllingthe pump speed and liquid dispensation time allows operator 5141 to varythe amount of liquid dispensed upon animal 5101 with each actuation ofswitch 4601.

Positioning the transducer 4661 is facilitated by monitoring theultrasound tissue image on a monitor. If the monitor indicates that thetransducer 4661 is not correctly positioned, the transducer 4661 can beremoved from slot 4941 in the handpiece 4181 and repositioned. Once thisis done for the first animal in a group of animals the transducer 4661likely will be correctly adjusted for all animals in the group.

Once a suitable amount of conductive liquid is dispensed, whichgenerally takes less than about 5 seconds, and more typically about 3seconds, operator 5141 then positions transducer 4661 against the animal5101 over the oil and between the twelfth and thirteenth rib of theanimal 5101. The transducer 4661 is held steady in this position whileoperator 5141 watches the monitor. Once a suitable image is obtained,operator 5141 actuates trigger switch 4621, which is electricallycoupled to the ultrasound computer 4281. By actuating switch 4621,ultrasound computer 4281 records the image and data, and calculates andrecords particular measurements of the animal 5101. The data acquisitionperformed by ultrasound computer 4281 is controlled by computer 4241.Software is commercially available for running computer 4241. Thissoftware can determine certain tissue characteristics using theultrasound data, which includes backfat, intramuscular marbling, muscledimensions and the location of a fat deposit, such as the rib eye fatkernel. Thus, software can be selected to perform particularmeasurements on each animal, and measurement data obtained can bedisplayed on the monitor. If insufficient or inaccurate data is receivedfrom a reading, and if the plant processing rate provides the operatortime, the animal can be remeasured. This is done by pressing resetswitch 4641 and again pressing trigger switch 4621 to take a newreading.

The information obtained for each animal 5101 is downloaded intocomputer 4241. The animal 5101 is continuously conveyed by conveyor 5001along the processing line as an operator conducts tissue analysis. Oncethe tissue analysis is completed, then operator 5141 moves theultrasound tissue imaging and analysis device adjacent another stunnedand bled ruminant for tissue imaging and analysis. Prior to applying thetransducer 4661 to the back of the next animal, the operator actuatesreset switch 4641. This clears the computer 4241 and prepares it toreceive new data. The process is then repeated.

FIG. 47 illustrates that the tissue analysis can be performed by asingle ultrasound operator 5141 using an ultrasound tissue imaging andanalysis device as described above. FIG. 48 illustrates an alternativemethod for tissue imaging and analysis involving two operators. In thisembodiment, the stunned and bled ruminant is conveyed to a firstposition adjacent a first operator. The first operator can eitherperform ultrasound analysis on the stunned cattle, with the secondoperator repeating the ultrasound measurements made by the firstoperator. Alternatively, the first and second operators can performultrasound analysis on every other cow so that operators 5141 can matchthe conveying speed of conveyor 5001.

Still another alternative method is to have a first operator 5141 applyan ultrasound image enhancing fluid to the animal's hide at the rib-eyeportion. This animal is then conveyed to a position adjacent a secondoperator 5141. The second operator 5141 then performs ultrasound tissueimaging and analysis adjacent the rib-eye portion of the ruminant 5101as the ruminant is being conveyed by conveyor 5001. The second operator5141 adjusts the position of the ultrasound tissue analysis device untila good image is obtained. The ultrasound imaging and analysis device isthen actuated to obtain and store tissue data.

The method takes less than about fifteen seconds per animal to perform,typically less than about ten seconds to perform, and more typicallyless than about 10 seconds to perform, and more typically about 5-7seconds to perform. The information obtained is then used to makecalculations as discussed below, and is available to both the packingplant operator and the feedlot operator in real time. This is asignificant improvement over conventional methods.

Data obtained using tissue analyses on the stunned and bled ruminant canbe used to perform a variety of calculations, such as those discussed inPratt's U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,647. For example, yield and quality can bedetermined. The ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis device is used tomake a number of measurements, including rib eye dimensions, backfatthickness and determinations of rib eye area and marbling. To make suchmeasurements, the ultrasound device focuses on and locates particulartissue characteristics, including, for example, a particular fatdeposit, such as the rib eye fat kernel. As soon as a good ultrasoundtissue image is obtained, the measurements discussed above are made, andare recorded in a computer or on computer readable medium. Such data iscorrelated with the animals electronic identification tag, as well asinformation determined for each animal at the feedlot.

The data obtained by ultrasound tissue imaging and analysis at a packingplant is itself indicative of meat quality and/or yield, such as thebackfat measurements, or can be used to make other calculations, such asyield grade. Yield grade is a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being the mostlean and 5 the least lean.

Typically, cattle backfat thickness varies from about 0.1 inch to about1.0 inch thick. Rib eye area typically varies from about 9 square inchesto about 15 square inches. Yield grade is determined by considering atleast rib eye area and backfat. First though, solely with respect tobackfat, backfat measuring greater than about 0.7 inch thick generallyresults in a yield grade of 4 or better. Average cattle have a backfatthickness ranging from about 0.4 inch to about 0.7 inch, and suchbackfat generally results in a yield grade of 3. Less backfat results ina yield grade of 1-2.

But, as stated above, yield grade also considers rib eye area. The USDAyield grade is determined by considering backfat thickness, rib eyearea, hot carcass weight (which is determined by weighing both halves ofa carcass about 15 minutes after initial processing) and pelvic, kidneyand heart fat (PKH) values. Thus, for example, if a particular animalhas a relatively small rib eye area and relatively thick backfat, thenthe animal likely will receive a yield grade of 4 or 5. And, if theanimal has relatively large rib-eye area and relatively little backfat,then the animal likely would receive a yield grade of 1-2.

Marbling also can be determined using ultrasound tissue imaging andanalysis of ruminants at packing plants. Marbling is determined bycomputer analysis of contrast differences in the ultrasound image. Aquality grade is then assigned to the animal to reflect the marblingcontent. Marbling is specified as standard (which correlates with theleast amount of marbling), select, choice and prime (prime correlateswith the most amount of marbling).

Data collected at the packing plant is available much sooner than ifconventional methods are used, such as waiting for and relying ongovernment grading or area analyses of rib eye tracings. The presentmethod makes such information available in real time to the packingplant operator, who could chose to provide such information virtuallysimultaneously to the feedlot operator. This accelerates payment allalong the ruminant processing chain.

Moreover, the information provided by the method appears more objectivethan the grading information provided by the government grading system.And, tissue characteristics are obtained prior to processing the stunnedruminant to a carcass by, amongst other things, removing the hide andperhaps simultaneously portions of backfat. Because the present systemis based on collecting and analyzing repeated tissue body measurements,it is both more reliable and correlates better with the actual yield ofthe stunned and bled ruminant.

And, because the information concerning each animal is available soonerand generally is more accurate and reliable than the currently usedsubjective grading techniques, both the feedlot and packing plantoperators can make use of such information for management decisions. Asused herein “management decisions” depends on whether this refers tofeedlot management or packing plant management. Packing plant managementdecisions are discussed above, and in Pratt U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,647.“Packing plant management decisions” typically refers to, for example:(a) sorting cattle; (b) further distribution; (c) pricing for eitherpurchase or sell; (d) classifying inventory; (e) valuing inventory; and(f) selecting feedlot suppliers. It should be realized that informationprovided the feedlot operators can be used to change the subsequenttreatment of individual animals at the feedlot, such as to increase ordecrease feed, or to administer certain materials, such as growthfactors. Because animal grading is done virtually simultaneously withprocessing of the animal at the packing plant using the method, cattleemerging from the carcasses emerging from the processing area can besorted into groups based on predetermined criteria, such as customerdesires, yield, quality, carcass weights, size of cuts, etc. This, alongwith the fact that the information is available in real time, providesthe packing plant operator better information faster concerning packingplant inventory. The feedlot also can be provided the informationsooner, so that feedlot management decisions based on the informationprovided by the packing plant can be made much sooner and with morereliability than can be achieved using conventional methods.

This example describes a method for performing ultrasound tissueanalysis of cattle in a packing plant prior to processing the cattle tocarcasses. An electronic I.D. tag was placed on a trolley hook at apoint where the rear leg of each animal was transferred from shackle totrolley. A portable tag reader was used to read the tag as it was placedon the hook, and this information was stored to establish the sequenceof cattle on the trolley.

FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram illustrating how ultrasound tissueimaging and analysis devices were positioned in a packing plant for thisprocedure. Just past the transfer point for transferring the stunnedanimal from the shackle to the trolley, the ultrasound tissue analysiszone was defined. Vegetable oil, about 18 milliliters, was applied tothe hide on the left side between the 12th and 13th ribs before eachanimal was conveyed to a position adjacent an ultrasound technician.

FIG. 48 illustrates two ultrasound operators 5141 performing ultrasoundanalysis on ruminant 10 in a packing plant. Operators 5141 areillustrated as using one embodiment of an ultrasound tissue imaging andanalysis system as described in more detail above comprising a switch5161, and a hand piece 5181. The two successive ultrasound operators5141 used two identical computer/ultrasound systems, although it will beapparent that the two ultrasound systems need not be the same.

Following ultrasound measurement and prior to removing the head from theanimal a portable tag reader was used to read the electronicidentification tag which was removed from the ear of the animal. Thiselectronic identification number was matched to the trolley sequencenumber and electronic identification tag on the trolley.

Ultrasound tissue analysis was performed on cattle processed at thepacking plant. The tissue measurements made by the ultrasound devicewere stored with each animal's individual identification tag number,sequence number and trolley identification number in a computer.

A second I.D. in a form of an USDA-approved edible bar coded label wasapplied to the exposed brisket area. The edible label had a five-digitnumber printed thereon for visual reading, in addition to a bar code tobe read by a hand-held reader immediately after the label was fixed tothe brisket. The carcass was weighed at the hot scale. The packingplant's carcass tag was then fix to the carcass, and the weight wasrecorded along with the plant's carcass I.D. number on a tablet. Thetrolley I.D. and bar code label were read electronically to re-establishthe sequence of cattle on the trolley in case some ruminants wererailed-off by a USDA inspector for trimming and observation before beingrailed back in the moving chain. After all carcasses in the test leftthe packing plant for chilling, the hot carcass weight was linked to theultrasound-derived data of backfat, rib eye area and marbling score in afile in a computer.

Yield grade, quality grade closely trimmed retail yield and pounds ofeach ruminant were calculated for each cattle processed using publishedformulas.

This example describes a method for grading carcasses at a packing plantwhere objectively measured carcass data was used rather than the normalmethod of visual observation by graders. Immediately after the carcasseswere ribbed, a numbered paper was applied to the rib eye of the leftside of the carcass. The paper was removed after the rib eye impressionhad been made, and was traced at a later time for determining actual ribeye area on all carcasses. Immediately after the paper was removed fromthe rib eye, the backfat was measured with an approved preliminary-graderuler. This measurement was recorded on a paper that was removed fromthat rib eye.

Each carcass was graded by a grader employing official procedures of theUSDA meat grading service, and stamped accordingly with yield andquality grades. A second person from the USDA meat grading serviceobserved the carcass as trained and then observed a computer screendisplaying the yield and quality grades as calculated on day ofslaughter by the ultrasound derived data plus the hot carcass weight. Ifthe USDA grader agreed with the calculated value, he pressed the touchscreen computer and a label was printed and fixed to the carcass byanother worker to confirm the calculated values. If the USDA grader didnot agree, he adjusted PYG, RIB EYE, and/or KPH to change the calculatedyield grade and marbling score to change the quality grade. When thedisplayed yield grade and quality grade matched the USDA grader'sevaluation, he pressed a print button on the touch screen computer and alabel was printed and fixed to the carcass.

A second touch screen computer was made available to the plant grader.He could observe the carcass and compare his subjective value to thatdisplayed on the screen. He could then make changes to PYG, KPH and ribeye to adjust the yield grade and marbling score to adjust the qualitygrade.

Every thirtieth carcass was railed off for measuring PYG with theofficial ruler and rib eye using an official grid device. Three people,two USDA meat-grading graders and one IBP selected grader, independentlymeasured each carcass railed off. The three independent measurementswere averaged to establish the official reference measurements.

The results from the examples demonstrate that tissue analysis made onruminants in packing plants can provide yield grades, rib eye areas andmarbling, for example, that correlate well with those obtained by theconventional processes. Moreover, the data provided by the tissueanalysis at the packing plant is available in real time for analysis bythe packing plant, the feedlot, and others in the processing line. Thisnot only expedites payment to all persons in the processing line, butfurther also allows the feedlot to adjust its methods of processingruminants, and allows the packing plant operators to better controltheir inventory.

Animal Tracking

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor tracking animals. These process steps and system components can beused in conjunction with evaluation of an animal's respiratory orcirculatory condition, as discussed above. For example, informationgather by imaging and evaluating an animal's respiratory or circulatorysystem, such as respiratory damage designations, can be entered into thedescribed electronic system components and processed alone or with otheranimal characteristics as described below

Protecting animal agriculture by safeguarding animal health is vital tothe well-being of people everywhere. In fact, protecting animalagriculture promotes human health, provides wholesome, reliable, andsecure food resources, mitigates national economic threats, and enhancesa sustainable environment. An element of this goal to safeguard animalhealth in an effective AIF that allows users to quickly and efficientlytrace information concerning an animal, including without limitation, ananimal's location history, treatment history, such as drug or feedadditive administration, food products made from such animal, and anycombination of such information. By doing so, diseased animals, thosepotentially diseased, and/or those animals that have commingled with thediseased animals may be identified and dealt with, e.g., treated,quarantined, or destroyed when necessary.

The following provides definitions of certain terms used in thissubsection. These definitions are provided to aid the reader, and shouldnot be construed to be narrower than would be understood by a person ofordinary skill in the art.

A “cohort” or “cohorts” refers to an animal or animals that occupied asame general location, such as might be identified by a premiseidentifier, at some time as some other animal or animals, but notnecessarily at the same time. Cohorts can refer to a group of animalsoccupying a same location, and if one or more of these animals is movedto a second location, then the moved animal now is, or animals are,associated with a second cohort group.

“Commingled” is a subset of the term cohort and generally refers toanimals that occupy the same general location at a common time. Forexample, a first group of animals might be owned by the same owner andpastured separately from a second group. Both the first group and thesecond group may be referred to as cohorts, particularly if the firstand second pasture are identified by the same premise identifier, butare not commingled. Animals in the first group are commingled, andanimals in the second group are commingled, but animals of the firstgroup are not commingled with animals of the second group. Commingledalso can be considered to occur when animals have unrestrained access toeach other. Under a program, such as the USAIP, a single premiseidentifier may be used to identify cohorts, but cohorts may not besufficiently intimately associated so as to warrant treating all animalsin the group in the same manner, such as in case of a detected disease.By providing additional animal identifiers as disclosed in the presentapplication cohorts in this and other examples can be treateddifferently.

“Intimately associated” typically refers to animals that are insufficiently close contact that, for example, transmission of a diseasemight be inferred. Simply because animals are commingled does notnecessarily mean that they are intimately associated. Again by way ofexample, animals located in a large pasture area may be consideredcommingled, but may not ever be intimately associated.

“Participants” include, without limitation, producers, grazers,auctioneers, feedlots, packers, data service providers, data trustees,and others.

Over the last several years, more than 100 animal industryprofessionals, academics, and state and federal governmentrepresentatives have debated the feasibility of implementing a single,nationwide computerized system that utilizes an individual food animalidentification tracking and management system. As a result of thosedebates, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) endorsedmost of the USAIP that defines the standards and a framework forimplementing and maintaining a phased-in, NAIS. Basically, the USAIPwould be one method enabling not only the beef industry but alllivestock industries and government officials to conduct lifetimetracebacks of all animals and perform disease surveillance on cattle,swine, sheep, and other animals. Tracing back animals would allowgovernment officials, animal producers, animal purchasers, and others todetermine where an animal has been and what other animals have been incontact with the “traced” animal.

For example, if a cow is diagnosed with Mad Cow disease, an NAIS wouldallow government health officials to traceback where an animal has beenover its entire lifetime and investigate and control the disease byquarantine or other method animals that have commingled with thediseased animal. The USAIP requires that a complete traceback report beobtainable within 48 hours of the initiation of an investigationfollowing the diagnosis of a sick animal.

The basics of the USAIP are illustrated in FIG. 50. FIG. 50 shows animalproducer 1102 collecting data 1112 about his animals and storing thatdata in a database 1202. The type of data collected by animal producer1102 varies among animal industries; however, the data typicallyincludes many of the same types of data that are found in a cattlespecification. Under the USAIP, that data is supplemented by an officialID tag and may include a couple of additional identifiers to help tracea specific animal. For example, in order to trace an animal's locationhistory, the USAIP includes a premise identifier (PID) and a universalanimal identifier (UAID) among the collected data 1212. Whenever ananimal is moved to a new location, the new location's PID is linked tothe animal's UAID. By doing so, these identifiers help pinpoint where acow has been during its lifetime.

Data collection usually begins at the animal producer's location. As ananimal moves in the stream of commerce and passes through datacollection points, additional records or information are collected anduploaded to a national animal information database 1302. According tothe USAIP, the national animal information database 1302 is accessibleto the USDA and other health officials. Thus, when an animal isdiscovered with an animal disease, such as an FAD, the USDA determinesthe assigned UAID of the diseased animal and reviews the animal'srecords in the NAIS information database. Based on recorded PIDs it ispossible to trace where a diseased animal has been. At that point,appropriate measures can be put into effect to prevent those animalsthat have commingled with the diseased animal as identified solely by apremise identifier from entering the marketplace. The USAIP's goal is toprotect people from buying tainted meats and other animal products andto prevent the disease from spreading to other animals.

To put an NAIS in place, the USAIP proposes implementing the followingsystems: a national premises identification system, an individual animalidentification system, and a group/lot identification system.

The national premises identification system assigns a unique number toeach premise involved in animal agriculture. Generally, a premise is anidentifiable physical location that, in the judgment of animal healthofficials, area veterinarians, or other designated group, and whenappropriate in consultation with the affected producer, represents aunique and describable geographic entity (e.g., where activity affectingthe health and/or traceability of animals may occur) or represents theproducer contact location when extensive grazing operations exist. Byassigning a unique identifier to premises, the location history ofanimals is more easily tracked. The USAIP-proposed premise identifier isa 7-charater alphanumerical value, e.g., A123B45.

FIG. 51 illustrates a simple block diagram of the USAIP's proposedinfrastructure for assigning PIDs. Basically, a premise 2102 is requiredto file a request for a PID with a local government premise system 2202.The state premise system 2202 contacts a national premise allocator 2302for a PID 2112. The national premise allocator 2302 assigns a PID to thepremise and sends it back to the state premise system 2202. The statepremise system 2202 forwards it to the requesting premise 2102 and to aNational Premises repository 2402. The USDA has access to all PIDsthrough the national premises repository 2402. Using the PIDs, the USDAcan determine where animals have been when doing tracebacks. Accordingto the USAIP, the PID 2112 uniquely identifies a premise.

The USAIP's national premise identification system requires states andlocal governments to identify and validate “premises”.

In conjunction with a premise identifier, the USAIP proposes using anindividual animal identification system to assign universalidentification numbers (UAID) to animals. FIG. 52 illustrates a simpleblock diagram of the entities involved in assigning an animal a UAID.Typically, requests for a UAID come from animal producers. Asillustrated, an animal producer at premise 3102 requests and receives aUAID 3112 from an animal identification number allocator 3202. Asbefore, a copy of the UAID 3112 is forwarded to the requesting animalproducer 3102, as well as to a national animal identifier repository3302. Typically, the UAIDs adhere to the ISO code structure standard forRadio Frequency Identification (RFID). In other words, animals will beassigned a number that is imprinted and encoded on an electronic RFIDtag. The tag is attached to an animal and throughout the lifetime of theanimal the RFID electronic tag is used to trace animal movements. Anexemplary animal ID number, according to the USAIP, the ISO codecontains 15 numbers, for example, “840 123456789012”.

The USAIP also proposes a group/lot identification system, which assignsdifferent values to specific lots or groups within a much largerpremise. For example, a large feedlot may have dozens of separatefeeding areas. Each area or lot may receive its own unique number tofurther distinguish where an animal has been. Another reason for using agroup/lot identification system is that animals often are transferred ingroups to a premise. Each shipment of animals that comes in or moves outmay be considered a group. A group/lot identifier (GID) distinguishesbetween groups within a premise. The GID is typically based on a date.For example, in some cases, the USAIP adds a six-digit number to thepremise ID to reflect the date a group of animals moved in. This meansthat an animal shipped to a premise on Oct. 3, 2003, has the combinedgroup lot number “A234L69100303,” where the final six digits representthe date of arrival. The GID provides a way to further distinguishgroups of animals of that have not been commingled.

Based on the above-identified systems, the USAIP proposes aninfrastructure that includes a national premises allocator, a nationalpremises database, individual animal ID database, and “Reader”technology in order to trace animal location histories. The readertechnology, as mentioned above, includes electronic RFID tags and RFIDreaders placed at various collection points. For example, the readertechnology would be most likely implemented at markets, expositions,slaughter facilities, feedlots, etc. By recording the PID and UAID ofanimals, an accurate history of their movement through the streams ofcommerce can be recorded and traced.

Notably, within the USAIP, the identification devices used to identifyanimals may vary across species groups. A USDA official device may berequired.

Major opposition from the livestock industry has delayed implementationof the USAIP. One of the main drawbacks to implementing the USAIP's NAISrelates to the ability to protect the confidentiality of collected data.For example, many livestock producers are concerned that the Freedom ofInformation Act (FOIA) would require the government to release allcollected traceback data. Releasing such information could causeirrevocable harm to the livestock industry just as it did when the firstMad Cow case was discovered in the U.S. Moreover, releasing confidentialbusiness information could also damage reputations and cause producersto lose money.

For example, inaccurate tracking results may result in treating animals,such as by a quarantine, that were healthy and did not requiresegregation. This would cause a producer to lose money since quarantineinterferes with the movement and management of animals in normalcommerce. Moreover, because of an inappropriate quarantine, a livestockproducer and its herds generally may be perceived as being “bad,” whichhurts the reputation of the producer and its other herds. Furthermore,livestock producers and marketers are concerned that they may incurconsumer liability (or at least legal costs) despite inaccurate trackingresults.

Protecting records also is important to prevent unfair speculation andmanipulation of pricing at sourcing and markets. For example, if thegovernment obtains and releases industry proprietary information, buyersor sellers of livestock can artificially inflate or deflate prices basedon the released data. Ultimately, collected traceback data should besafeguarded. Hence, there is a need for a NAIS that ensures theconfidentiality of that data.

The USAIP's NAIS is difficult and costly to implement. The USAIP createsa separate NAIS dedicated exclusively to animal traceback. This meanslivestock producers that already use commercial systems to track theiranimals would have to finance their current tracking systems as well asthe NAIS. Hence, the cost may become prohibitive for small herd owners.Moreover, the USAIP experts failed to recognize the need to utilizecommercial tracking and management information systems that actuallywould add enough value to the process to cover the cost of the officialgovernment requirements. Furthermore, the USAIP failed to recognize theinherent resistance to additional government mandated identification,reporting and costs to industry when more then 99 percent of animals arehealthy, disease free, non-quarantined animals. These additional costswould be implemented in order to identify the less than 1 percent oflivestock requiring FAD management.

The proposed NAIS restricts animal movement in commerce and provides nomethod for a real time confirmation of the official records. Real timeconfirmation could be an important feature for buyers and sellers ofanimals. Again by way of example, a buyer would like to know, virtuallyimmediately upon inspection, whether the animal has an appropriatemovement record, and further that such record can be accessed asdesired. If a move-in or move-out event occurs reasonably close in timeto a buyer wanting to purchase an animal, then these recent events wouldbe important information that should be available to the purchaser. Theproposed NAIS does not allow for real time reconciliation of suchevents, whereas the embodiments disclosed herein do allow real timereconciliation.

The USAIP's NAIS also rely solely on RFID identifiers to identify ananimal. A producer may lose an assigned RFID, or the RFID may fail tooperate correctly. As a result, the animal's identification cannot beproperly recorded, or if initially recorded correctly, cannot beverified upon a move-in or move-out event. RFIDs also would have to berequested by a producer, provided by a government agency, associatedwith an individual animal, and then such information reported to theagency. This scenario requires time and compliance with the requirementsby each producer. Embodiments of the disclosed method and system allowfor other animal identifiers to be used, which increases appropriateidentification of problematic animals and compliance by participants.

The components and systems of an AIF (AIF) accomplish what the USAIPproposes, while overcoming its limitations. The animal identificationframework incorporates computerized data management system tools andtechniques to timely process information regarding the movement oflivestock from one location to another. The framework helps maintain thenormal speed of commerce in buy/sell transactions, helps provide recordsmaking the animals more valuable to the buyer and seller, improves theaccuracy of movement and animal sales transactions, protects the animalowners from liability due to inaccuracies, protects the confidentialityof producer data, and lowers the cost of tracking animals.

In commercial and private settings, the information collected throughthis framework is beneficial in a variety of ways. For example, when ananimal change of possession occurs, the new owners or custodians may beeasily provided with the historical animal records and current recordsnecessary to move the animal. Suppose, for example, a purchaser buys ananimal without first obtaining a traceback history of the animal. Owninganimals purchased without records violates regulatory rules andpurchasing animals without historical records incurs a risk of beingunable to resell the animal.

Additionally, this framework may protect purchasers against liability incase of a disease outbreak. Moreover, because information is collectedin an organized and strong framework, it is possible to share commercialdata among the diverse and segmented livestock industries, therebyadding value to the overall system, and helping offset the costsassociated with the implementation of the AIF. There are other privatebenefits and uses for the AIF.

In a public sense, the framework is beneficial because it allows healthofficials to identify and quarantine animals that have commingled withdiseased animals. Thus, it reduces the chance that a consumer willpurchase infected meats or tainted animal products. For example, supposea cow is diagnosed with Mad Cow disease. To protect consumers frompurchasing tainted meat, health officials or industry members, using theembodiments of the disclosed system and methods of the AIF, maytraceback and ascertain where an animal has been. Based on thatinformation, other animals that have commingled with the diseased animalcan be examined or quarantined for the same disease.

To trace animals, within the framework, animal information is recordedas animals pass through data collection points. At minimum, the recordedinformation includes location history information (e.g., a PID) and ananimal identifier (e.g., a UAID). However, in many situations, animalinformation includes other information, including commercial andconfidential information. For example, it may include the height,weight, size, age, sex, color, type of feed, drug treatment history,actual animal location, such as by GPS, name of owner, and otherrelevant animal information. Conducting a computerized trace of ananimal involves ascertaining the animal identifier and searching therecorded animal information to find previous locations where theidentified animal occupied.

Within the framework are various tools and techniques for collectinganimal information. The MBPs, the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference, describe various tools and techniques forcollecting and tracking animal histories. For example, some of the toolsand techniques described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,647 (the '647 patent),such as the electronic ID tag, which is encoded with an animalidentifier, may be used to uniquely and universally identify an animal.Using those identifiers, tools in the MBPs may collect and store animalinformation. For example, as the animal passes through data collectionpoints, such as those described in the MBPs, animal information iscollected. Typically, the data collection points use sensors, scanners,or other reader technology to record animal information as it passesthrough a gate or chute. Additional information may be collected when ananimal is examined, weighed, measured, or otherwise analyzed. With thatinformation, authorized health officials and others may trace ananimal's location history.

In some implementations, the AIF includes an integrated database systemthat shares non-confidential animal information among industry membersand authorized health officials. The database system may be located at asingle location, at multiple locations, with identical, redundantinformation, or multiple, networked locations sharing differentinformation. The database system also may be in different countries tointegrate information collected by multiple countries. Filtering toolsand techniques are used by a data trustee to screen confidential fromthe shared access database. The shared information includes enough datafor the USDA and health officials to accomplish their tracebackobjectives, yet still protects animal producers' interests.

For example, the AIF includes the official database specificallycontaining all reported animals records and administered and regulatedby a data trustee. The data trustee screens sensitive information fromthe government and other third-parties by removing any informationregarded as confidential. The data trustee official database onlyforwards to a government-accessible database the information necessaryto use for requesting animal trace information from the officialdatabase to identify an animal. When a diseased animal is discovered,the USDA looks up the animal in its database and requests a tracebackhistory from the data trustee database for the animal to be entered intothe government database. By implementing a data trustee in the AIF,animal producers maintain control and access to confidentialinformation, and avoid many of the problems associated with inaccurateor leaked information.

The tools and techniques associated with the AIF use or adopt provenexisting technologies wherever possible. For example, implementationsutilize state-of-the-art national and international animalidentification standards with the best available and practicaltechnologies to create a plan that is dynamic and flexible, and thatincorporates new and proven technologies as they become available.

The techniques and tools described herein can be implemented in variousways, and may be used in combination or separately.

An AIF (“AIF”) is an extensible framework designed to facilitate thecollection and traceback of animal data, including their locationhistories. Within this framework are included both hardware and softwarecomponents that identify animals, that transmit data about the animals,that collect the transmitted data, that filter out confidentialinformation from the collected data, and that release the confidentialdata when necessary. FIG. 53 shows an exemplary AIF 4002 in whichvarious techniques described herein may be implemented. Basically, theAIF 4002 has tools that collect and store (or work with hardware andsoftware that collect and store) animal identification data, includingthe animal's location history. The AIF 4002 filters confidentialinformation and releases the information upon proper request.

AIF 4002 is a cross-system framework that can be used with multipledatabase systems, hardware devices, and applications in manyconfigurations. It provides a strong foundation upon which animaltraceback tools and techniques can be implemented. The AIF 4002 may usetools and techniques described in the MBPs, but this is not arequirement of the framework 4002.

FIG. 53 shows various components of the AIF 4002. Among those componentsare a data service provider 4202 for receiving and storing transmitteddata 4112, a data trustee 4302 for screening the confidential parts ofthe received data 4212, and an official database, or potentiallymultiple databases, 4402 for storing non-confidential data 4312.

The AIF 4002 collects data from an animal or animal producer 4102 andprovides a traceback history report 4412 for government and healthofficials 4502. A variety of tools and techniques may be used fortransmitting animal information 4112 to the framework 4002. Some ofthese tools and techniques are hardware-based and others aresoftware-based. For example, an electronic identification device (“EID”)may be attached to the animal 4102. As the animal 4102 passes through anAIF data collection point, the EID transmits pre-encoded animalinformation 4112 to the AIF 4002. The data service provider 4202 detectsthe transmission of data 4112, receives the data 4112, and stores thedata.

Data service providers 4202 as illustrated in FIG. 53 include commercialdata system organizations that have the necessary personnel, computermanagement expertise, and data gathering capabilities to detect,receive, store, and report animal information. Alternatively, or inconjunction with a commercial data system, a data service provider 4202includes, without limitation, animal producers, marketers, andpurchasers that own and operate the necessary reader and data storagetechnology to receive, store, and report animal information.

Within the context of an NAIS, there may be a multitude, e.g. hundredsof data service providers 4202 to collect animal information. These dataservice providers 4202 are ratified by industry members.

The information 4112 received by the data service provider 4202typically includes a mix of commercial and official data 4112. Officialdata includes the data necessary for the USDA to traceback an animal.The data service provider 4202 forwards the official data 4212 to datatrustee 4302. Or, the data service provider 4202 forwards both thecommercial and official data 4212 to data trustee 4302.

Within the AIF 4002, a data trustee 4302 serves as a buffer betweencommercial animal identification systems and any government system. Thefunctions of a data trustee 4302 are to receive forwarded data 4212 fromdata service provider 4202, screen and filter the forwarded data 4212 tomaintain the official database 4402, which may be a multiple databasesystem, and generate reports.

As a component within the AIF, a data trustee 4302 includes thoseindividuals, groups, organizations, and tools designated by industrymembers, perhaps approved by government, to screen the forwarded animalinformation 4212 before it is sent to the official government-accessibledatabase 4502. The actual number of data trustees may vary based on costto implement, size and growth of the cattle industry, improving networkand database technologies, and other such factors.

After receiving forwarded data 4212, the data trustee 4302 screens andfilters the data to remove confidential information. The data trusteethen forwards the filtered data to the official database 4402.Typically, the filtered data includes the necessary information for theUSDA database 4502 to start tracing an animal's location history. Forexample, the data trustee 4302 filters all the forwarded informationexcept for an animal identifier and a data record address to a record inthe data trustee database. Knowing the animal identifier is sufficientto retrieve the other animal information from the data trustee 4302. Inother implementations, the data trustee 4302 may filter more or lessdata. The amount and type of data forwarded to the official database4402 may change as government and industry needs change.

The official database 4402 contains official data. It is the repositoryof data trustee filtered data 4312. In the AIF 4002, a data trustee 4302is the administrator and arbiter of all the data that is stored in theofficial database. In some implementations, the official database is theonly database the government 4502 has access to. In otherimplementations, the data trustee is the only entity to have access tothe official database 4402. More than one official database may bemaintained in order to provide quicker access to data and to provideredundancy and fail-safes in case a connection or system goes down. Datain multiple databases is synchronized periodically to ensure consistencythroughout the databases.

In some implementations, multiple databases are maintained to furtherprotect confidential animal information. For example, the data trustee4302 maintains the official database 4402, and the government 4502maintains a separate database. The other database under control of thedata trustees contains official, yet confidential information, e.g.sensitive data, that the government can request when needed, but thatwill not be subject to standard government FOIA rules unless requestedby the government. This allows industry members to keep dataconfidential until requested by the government. For example, a rancherwants to keep his ranch premise identifier confidential. The governmentdoes not actually need access to the premise identifier until an animalhealth or safety issue arises. Thus, the data trustee filters thepremise ID from being forwarded to a government controlled database.When the need arises, the government may submit a request to theofficial database administrator trustee for that information based uponan identified animal. After a proper request, the data trustee sends therequested information to the government. The number of filtered fieldsin the official database may vary depending on implementation,government regulations, logistical concerns, ease of implementation, andother such factors. Using data requested from the official database4402, government and health officials 4502 have access to sufficientdata to traceback an animal within the currently mandated 48-hour timeperiod. In other implementations, tracing an animal may take more orless time to complete, and much faster traceback results likely can beachieved with the present method and system, such as within minutes.

The AIF 4002 provides a variety of traceback reports 4122, 4222, 4322,4422 to confirm events as they occur. For example, when a cow is shippedto a feedlot, a confirmation report 4122 is sent to the animal producer4102 confirming animal arrival. Similarly, when animal information 4212is forwarded to the data trustee, a traceback report 4222 is sentconfirming receipt of the data. The report 4222 also may include areconciliation of premise and animal information. After data has beenfiltered and forwarded to the official database, another report 4322 isgenerated and sent to the data service provider 4202 confirming receiptof the information. The report may reconcile information from the reportagainst data stored in national identifier repositories. The format anddelivery methods of these reports may vary. For example, some reportsare sent via text email. Other reports are accessed over a webpage. Someare sent as text files, PDFs, or other standardized format.Alternatively, the reports are text messages, paper copies, or someother readable format.

In some other implementations, animal producers 4102 are allowed torequest a report from the data trustee 4302 in order to view theircurrent inventory as recorded in the official database 4402. Thisfunction allows producers 4102, data service providers 4202, and datatrustees 4302 to correct any potential database errors by reconcilinginformation.

For example, upon request, a rancher files a move out report with aservice provider and receives a move in report from the serviceprovider. The rancher checks the record reporting move-out/move-ininformation against each other. If there are any errors, the ranchersubmits a request to correct the information. By generating confirmationreports as data passes from one component of the AIF 4002 to another,errors and inconsistencies in the data are identified throughout theprocess, avoiding major discrepancies or errors in the future. They alsoprovide an automated chain of custody to ensure the database informationis synchronized with actual animal movements. To not implement a chainof custody and reconciliation process compromises the integrity of theNAIS and increases producer liability concerns.

Alternatively, the data trustee 4302 and the official database 4402allow animal producers 4102 or other users to perform the essentialfunctions of reading, updating, and deleting records. To do so, aninterface, such as a web-based interface, a database interface, orcustomized software application, is provided so animal producers 4102 orothers may securely connect to the database to read and/or updaterecords. In some implementations, error correction is done directly bythe animal producer 4102, e.g. they log onto a secure system andmanually correct errors. Preferably, an animal producer submits arequest to correct erroneous data to the data trustee 4302. The datatrustee verifies the submitted data and makes appropriate updates. Othertechniques for updating and correcting information also may beavailable.

Finally, within the AIF 4002, government and health officials 4502 traceanimal location histories. To do so, the USDA 4502 accesses data in theUSDA database 4502 and then submit a formal request for a complete traceof an animal to the official database 4402. Upon receipt of a request,the official data base 4402 generates a location history report 4412.The location history report includes a list of every premise the animalhas occupied during its traceable lifetime. The location history reportalso includes other information, such as the date, time, and groupnumber associated with an animal when it lived at a premise.

Using the information from the location history report, the governmentofficials 4502, alternatively, contact the listed premises for moreinformation or request further information from the official base 4402.In some implementations, the initial history location report 4412includes all animal identifiers that have ever commingled with thetraced animal.

Notably, when officials 4502 make a direct request to official database4402 for information, all official data is granted within the guidelinesset forth by government and industry regulatory bodies. Otherconfidential information is released at the data trustee's discretion.

The AIF 4002 includes elements of software and/or hardware. Therelationships shown between components in FIG. 53 indicate the main flowof information; other relationships are not shown for the sake ofsimplicity. Depending on implementation, components can be added,omitted, split into multiple components, combined with other components,and/or replaced with like components or systems. Alternatively, aframework with different components and/or other configurations performone or more of the AIF techniques described herein.

Various implementations of the components in the AIF 4002 are describedbelow.

Data service providers provide the necessary data collection tools,reporting systems and services, customer support and education to enablethe transfer of data from animal producers to data trustees. FIG. 54illustrates a simple block diagram of a data service provider 5002 suchas data service provider 4202 discussed in connection with FIG. 53. Thedata service provider 5002 collects and stores animal information in asingle or multiple databases 5502, generates reports 5552 confirmingreceipt of the information, and then forwards official data 5602 to adata trustee. As illustrated in FIG. 54, the data service provider 5002includes elements of software and/or hardware. The relationships shownbetween the components in FIG. 54 indicate the main flow of information;other relationships are not shown for the sake of simplicity. Dependingon implementation, components can be added, omitted, split into multiplecomponents, combined with other components, and/or replaced with likecomponents or systems. Alternatively, a data service provider withdifferent components and/or other configurations perform one or more ofthe techniques described herein.

The data service provider 5002 receives data from multiple sources. Someof those sources include an EID 5102 and other commercial data entrytools 5202. Also, the data service provider may add premise identifyinginformation 5302.

An electronic identification device (EID) 5102 provides animalinformation to the data service provider 5002. The EID includes elementsof software and/or hardware. Various implementations of EIDs arediscussed in the MBPs, which are incorporated herein. For example, inthe '647 patent an electronic identification tag that uses radiofrequency technology (RFID) to transmit signals to an RF reader isdisclosed. An RF reader collects and stores the information sent by theRFID tag. In other implementations, the EID may use other wireless andmicrowave technologies, such as Wi-Fi, WiMax, etc. to transmit animalinformation to the data service provider 5002. Moreover, in yet otherimplementations, the EID is a transponder, a chipcard, a biometricdevice, a magnetic device, scan code, bar code, a visual cue such as acattle brand, or any other state-of-the-art and/or cost effectivetechnology. Alternatively, the EID 5102 is implemented as a combinationof these technologies. The EID tag also can be used to provide specificlocation information for each individual animal, such as by using GPS,as opposed to just general location information.

For example, under the USAIP, a specific type and design of radiofrequency identification (RFID) official tags are used as the officialidentification device to identify animals. However, any RFID tagsfollowing ISO standards create numbers that can universally identifyanimals without needing any additional setup. Therefore, the AIF RFIDnumbering system provides producers the flexibility to utilize readilyavailable ISO compliant identification devices from a source of theirchoice. For example, there are nonofficial RFID ISO compliant tags thatmay be used one time or multiple times to reduce the cost. Moreover, byusing non-official, ISO compliant tags the industry is not burdened withsourcing restrictions and managing official tags inventory for the USDA.Different species of animals may use different types of tags.

In some implementations, the EID is programmable, e.g., animal producersor others can encode information onto the EID. At the very least, theEID 5102 includes an animal identifier 5152 as described below thatuniquely identifies an animal in the NAIS. However, other information,including but not limited to, age, sex, weight, breed, owner, drughistory, feed history, etc. also may be encoded into the EID.

An animal identifier 5152 is a value recorded in the official database,which also may be encoded onto animal tracking devices 5102. The animalidentifier is a unique value assigned to individual animals to which allof its collected information including the physical animal identifier islinked in the various databases described herein. For example, when thedata service provider collects animal information, the universaldatabase animal identifier 5152 (UAID) serves as the value thatdistinguishes one animal's record from others'.

As discussed above in connection with FIG. 52, the animal identifier isan assigned UAID. Alternatively, the animal identifier is a differentvalue. A UAID establishes permanent, tamperproof database identificationfor each animal to which all identification devices like RFID, visualidentification or other identification methods can be linked. UAIDs areofficial 15-digit-ISO identification numbers allocated by the USDA.These UAID numbers may be encoded on the RFIDs or an alternate ISO orother numbers may be used. However, in some cases, at the producer'soption, those official numbers are not required to be on the animal andan alternate physical identifier is used. For example, in a small herdof 20 animals, the animal producer keeps a list of his animals' UAIDs.When an animal identified by an ID device, method or system 5102 ismoved or sold, animal information, including tracking information, maybe scanned from the producer's records (e.g., scanning bar codes frompaper), entered manually, or input in some other way.

To maintain consistency throughout the database, if an EID is lost orbecomes unreadable, the animal identifier encoded into the first EID isre-encoded into the new EID, or alternatively the EID is replaced by anew EID. Thus, the universal animal identifier UAID 5152 tracks theanimal over its lifetime by linking all ID devices, methods or systems5102 to the same UAID 5152.

Assigned UAIDs are placed in an animal identifier repository. The reasonfor the repository is to ensure the uniqueness and universality of theidentifier and ensure animal data is available for access when needed.Moreover, in some implementations, an animal identifier allocatorassigns UAIDs to animals upon request. For example, under a nationwideanimal identification system as described herein (NAIS), as new animalsare born, a rancher requests animal identifiers for each newborn animal.The UAID allocator, in response, sends the identifier values to therancher, which is encoded in EIDs for the calves or, for example, therancher uses the UAID to link with the EID as reported to the officialdatabase. Animals other than food animals also can be tracked by thesystem, as they also may come into sufficiently close contact with afood animal to transmit disease. For example, pets and wild animals thatare tracked by pet owners or wildlife officials also can be trackedusing disclosed embodiments of the method and system.

As an animal identification system, either a nationwide (NAIS) orworldwide system, is implemented, there may be difficulties inassimilating and converting current tracking systems. To reduce costs,to allow producers and data service providers to maintain their currentsystem while the transition occurs, and to allow time to installapproved EIDs on animals, animal information may be linked to othervalues until a permanent system is in place. For example, the name of acompany and its proprietary animal identifier may uniquely identify ananimal. Thus, during the transition phase, an additional field in thevarious databases lists that temporary identifier value, until a newconforming identifier is in place. Animal information is updated andlinked to the new animal identifier as it becomes available.

In some implementations, the animal identifier is associated with meatshipments during processing and even after the animal has beenslaughtered. For example, packaging containing processed food productscan be tracked, and the food products correlated with the animal historyfrom which such products were produced.

Referring again to FIG. 54, data service provider 5002 also receives andstores commercial data from commercial data sources 5202. Commercialdata includes commercially valuable data, e.g., the type of data used byanimal producers in the course of business. For example, commerciallyvaluable information includes, but may not be limited to, an animal'sowner, breed, size, weight, age, sex, feed type, vaccination or othertreatment reports, pricing terms, veterinarian reports, and any otherdata that is commercially useful. The amount and type of commercialinformation collected by the commercial data sources 5202 may vary basedon individual producer needs. Commercial information sent by commercialdata sources are collected by the data reader 5402.

In some implementations, commercial data sources are the tools andtechniques described in the MBPs, which are incorporated herein byreference. For example, one aspect of the '647 patent tracks thehistorical and projected weights of animals using external measurementtools at feedyards. That information may be valuable for commercialpurposes. Using such tools and techniques described in the '647 patentinformation is collected so that it can be transferred to data serviceprovider 5002. The actual transfer involves transmitting informationfrom the animal producer's computer systems to the data service provider5002. The data reader 5402 receives the commercial data about an animaland adds it to the animal's complete data record 5452.

A premise identifier 5302 identifies a premise, which is an identifiablephysical location that conducts animal agriculture. In FIG. 53, premisesinclude both animal producers 4102 and some, if not all, data serviceproviders 4202. Referring again to FIG. 54, the premise identifier 5302is submitted by the participant and automatically added to animal datarecords by the data trustee whenever an animal is moved from one premiseto another. For example, a cattle rancher auctions an animal locally.When the cow moves from the ranch to the auction house, the animal'sdata records are updated to reflect this move. When the cow arrives atthe auction house a new data entry, including the auction house'spremise identifier, is added to the cow's records showing the cow'sarrival and submitted to a service provider. Thus, an animal's locationhistory can be tracked using the UAID to obtain the premise identifiers.In some implementations, the premise identifier is the PID described inconnection with the USAIP described above. Alternatively, it is adifferent value. It also may be possible to track movements of cattleaccording to shipping method. For example, animals commingled on asingle transport, such as a truck or train, also might be identified byassigning particular identifiers to the transport method used.

As suggested by the USAIP, in some implementations a national orworldwide premise allocator assigns PIDs upon request. Referring back toFIG. 51, however, there are other implementations for allocating premiseidentifiers not described by the USAIP. For example, an animal producer2102 fills out on electronic request form and submits it to the premiseallocator via the Internet. In response, the premise allocator assignsand sends a premise identifier to the requesting animal producer 2102.Notably, in this implementation, the premise allocator assigns theidentifier without prior screening by state officials. In otherimplementations, the premise allocator files a request with the statefor verification information before assigning the identifier.Alternatively, the premise allocator verifies some minimal pieces ofdata, such as name, address, and phone number, before allocating theidentifier.

Another implementation for assigning premise identifiers involves a datatrustee. A data trustee is given a range of premise identifiers that areallocated to when an animal producer or premise reports animalinformation for the first time. For example, a non-registered premisesends animal information to a data service provider. Since there was novalid premise identifier, the information is immediately forwarded to adata trustee. The data trustee obtains and allocates a premiseidentifier for the non-registered premise and notifies the premise ofthe new value. Moreover, a copy of the premise identifier withaccompanying premise identification information is deposited in anational premise identification repository. As before, the data trusteemay ask for verification information from the requesting premise beforeallocating a premise identifier.

In some cases, the premise allocator or data trustee assigns a temporaryidentifier to a premise until the premise can be certified by either theallocator, government agency, or the data trustee. Under thesecircumstances, the temporary identifier may be only allocated for ashort period of time after which the premise needs to be authenticatedby an appropriate entity.

If a temporary identifier is used, after a premise is authenticated thetemporary identifier is made permanent. Alternatively, a new permanentidentifier is assigned and all records with the temporary identifier areupdated with or linked to the new identifier. Again in the alternative,records received from a premise with a temporary identifier aremaintained in a separate database until the premise has beenauthenticated. At that point, all of its records are moved to a validpremise database. Temporary identifiers may be distinguished frompermanent ones based on their format, based on a table listing temporaryidentifiers, or in some other way.

The actual format of the premise identifier may vary. According to theUSAIP, a PID is a 7 character alphanumeric value. In otherimplementations, the premise identifier may have more or lesscharacters. Moreover, a premise identifier 5302 may be randomlygenerated according to a defined format, it may be assigned from amaster list or database of values, it may be derived from animalproducer information (e.g., a hash of the premise's name or otherproprietary information), it may incorporate letters or numbers from apremise company name or brand, or it may be derived in some other way.

In some implementations, a value such as a NULL, zero, or other randomnon-conforming value may be inserted into a data record until a properpremise identifier is received.

Animal producers and premises 2102 are notified of their new premiseidentifier via a receipt web page, an email, mail, telephone call, orsome other mechanism. In every case, the newly-generated PID is sent toa national or worldwide premise repository, such as the repository 2302described in connection with FIG. 51.

Referring again to FIG. 54, once a premise identifier 5202 has beenassigned and sent to the proper premise, the premise should include thepremise identifier 5202 anytime it sends data to a data service provider5002 or to a data trustee.

It is worth noting that, although the premise allocator is describedherein as a single entity, implementations may include more than oneallocator, each designated by government and industry members.

Related to premise identifiers are group identifiers (GIDs), whichdistinguish groups of animals from each others as they move through apremise as noted in connection with the USAIP. According to the USAIP, aGID is a six-digit identifier representing a premise arrival date and insome cases is combined with the premise ID. Thus, unlike the premiseidentifiers, GIDs are generated by the participant or data serviceprovider 5002, and they may not necessarily be unique. For example, allthe cattle that arrive at a feedlot on a specific date may be assignedthe same GID. Alternatively, a GID may represent other information, forexample, the building where an animal was housed. The GID may becombined with the PID to form a new identifier, or alternatively it maybe a separate value in the mixed data database 5502.

FIG. 54 shows data reader 5402, which collects animal information forthe data service provider 5002. The data reader includes elements ofsoftware and/or hardware. Various implementations of data readers arediscussed in the MBPs, which are incorporated herein. For example, the'647 patent describes computer systems that record, measure, sort, andtrack individual animals. The data reader 5402 described herein performsthe same and additional functions.

In some implementations, the data reader 5402 collects wireless andmicrowave technology transmissions (e.g., RFID transmissions) fromdevices directly attached to animals. Moreover, the data reader 5402 maycollect signals and data from transponder devices, chipcards, biometricdevices, magnetic devices, and other devices attached to or implantedinto an animal. Alternatively, the data reader 5402 receives datatransmissions from computing devices, such as computers, PDAs, scanners,cell phones, flash memory cards, and other similar electronic devicescontaining data, such as commercial data. In yet other implementations,the data reader uses video imaging and ultrasound technology to gatherdata. In other implementations, light or laser technology to scan barcodes or other visual cues (e.g., a cattle brand or mark) is used. Insome case, animal information is read manually (e.g., visually) andinput manually (e.g., through data entry or voice recognition means).Alternatively, other state-of-the-art and/or cost effective data readertechnology is used.

Data readers 5402 are installed at designated reader locations. Forexample, since participants include producers, grazers, auctioneers,feedlots, packers, and other animal marketers, data readers areinstalled at their premises b themselves or a data service provider.When an animal is sent to a participant that serves as a data serviceprovider, an animal typically passes through an entrance gate or chute.Hence, an exemplary data reader is installed at the entrance gate orchute of data service provider 5002. Alternatively, the data reader isinstalled in animal barns, pens, stalls, or other similar locations.

As an animal passes through the data reader 5402, it collects animalinformation. At minimum, this includes an animal identifier. Othercommercial and official data also may be collected at this time.Alternatively, the other data is transmitted separately, e.g., via acomputer disk, paper copy, an email, a computer file, etc., and the datais later correlated to the animal identifier in the data serviceprovider database 5502.

After the data reader 5402 collects information from the animalinformation sources 5102, 5202, AID, the data is added to the dataservice provider's database 5602 as a mixed data record 5452. A mixeddata record 5452 combines confidential/commercial data withnon-confidential/official data, typically in a single entry, in the dataservice provider database or databases 5502. Other animal informationsuch as a premise identifier may be added automatically by the dataservice provider 5002. In some implementations, the database is indexedby the animal identifier.

The database 5502 is built from commercially available databaseservices. For example, the database 5502 is an SQL database with variousfields, such as breed, weight, date and time of arrival, animalidentifier, premise identifier, etc., defined for the types ofinformation received from the data reader. Alternatively, a differentdatabase builder is used, e.g., an XML database, an Access database, aweb-enabled database, or any other well-known database management system(DBMS). In other implementations, a custom database is developed.

For ease of administration, the database 5502 may be spread overmultiple computer systems. For example, a feed lot serves as a dataservice provider that receives data for thousands of animals every day.Due to the volume of the information being collected, multiple instancesof the database are distributed across many different computer systemsand perhaps even multiple computer networks in order to handle theinformation. To maintain consistency throughout the instances of thedatabase and to keep the information current, the databases aresynchronized periodically.

Defined fields are filled as animal information is collected into arecord 545. Not every field needs to be filled to be complete a record.A complete animal record may include a subset of the information in thedatabase, such as the animal identifier, premise identifier, event typeand date and time of arrival.

At least some of the data stored in database 5502 is forwarded to a datatrustee.

Data service provider 5002 provides reports 5552 to producers and datatrustees confirming data has been received, recorded, meets NAISstandards, etc. These reports 5552 provide information regarding thestatus of an animal event and also provide a chain of custody that showswhere an animal has been. Exemplary animal events include having an EIDapplied, moving from one location to another, branding, sightings,shipment to a slaughterhouse, processing into food products, shipping asfood products, etc.

When a move-out transaction from one premise to another has beeninitiated then a corresponding move-in (receipt) transaction needs toacknowledge that the animals, or food products made therefrom, arrivedat a valid premise within a specified time period. For example, arancher sends an animal to a commercial feedlot (in this case serving asa data service provider) before sending it to be slaughtered. Moving theanimal from one location to another is recorded by data readers. A datareader at the ranch records when the cow leaves and, in addition toother information, a data reader at the feedlot records when the animalarrives. Upon arrival at the feedlot, a confirmation report is generatednotifying the rancher that the animal arrived. This report typicallyincludes the animal identifier, premise identification, and event beingconfirmed. Alternatively, it includes a complete report of all recordedanimal information, or any combination of sortable recorded information.

The reports 555 also are used to verify that data has been accuratelyrecorded and to reconcile data with other databases. In the exampleabove, a rancher may determine from the confirmation report that theanimal EID listed is incorrect. To correct the error, the ranchercontacts the data service provider and provides it with the correctdata. Now, suppose in the above example, the commercial feedlot, as partof a normal verification process, checks with the repository or dataservice provider to validate the rancher's premise identifier. If anerror is detected a report detailing this inconsistency is generated andsent to the commercial feedlot and to the rancher. Again the ranchercorrects the error, even if it means requesting a valid premiseidentifier.

The number and type of reports generated by the data service providermay vary, depending on, for example, government and industryregulations, animal producer and data service provider wants and needs,and other such factors. Exemplary reports include a move-out report, aship and traceback report, a move-in and reconcile report, and atermination report.

FIGS. 55A-55D show sample reports generated by a data service provider.For example, FIG. 55A shows a move-out confirmation report. The reportconfirms that 38 animals were shipped from a premise with PID S200971and all the cows arrived at the destination premise (premise F201565).

FIG. 55B shows a move-in report. This report notifies the animalproducer that seven of his animals are unaccounted for. The animalproducer can then follow-up with the data service provider to reconcilethis discrepancy. Reasons for this type of error include the fact thatthe cows may never have arrived at the destination premise, the premiseidentifiers may be unknown or unregistered, the animal identifiers maybe invalid, or there was a hardware or software failure. Whatever thereason, the animal producer should know that he needs to check on hisanimals.

FIG. 55C illustrates a tag-applied confirmation report. FIG. 55Dillustrates a slaughtered or termination report for an animal. Notably,FIGS. 55A-55D illustrate a technique for outputting confirmationreports. In other implementations, the report may be made via email, aweb confirmation page, printed report, electronic text, or some othertechnique.

Throughout its entire process, data service provider 5002 uses securenetwork, database, and computing technologies. At least some of the datacollected by data service provider 5002 is forwarded to a data trustee.

Data trustees establish a private sector infrastructure to insure thatconfidential animal information is not released to the public sector. Anumber of data trustees, approved by the livestock industry as well asthe government, serve as a buffer between commercial animal informationsystems and any government sponsored systems. They are certified withstandardized criteria and consent to be audited by industry associationsand other oversight groups. Once certified, data trustees contributedata to the official database and provide government officials withanimal traceback reports. Data trustees provide tools to receive, storeand report data to the USDA for various purposes, including diseasesurveillance and health management purposes.

As illustrated in FIG. 56, the data service provider 7002 includeselements of software and/or hardware. The relationships shown betweenthe components in FIG. 56 indicate the main flow of information; otherrelationships are not shown for the sake of simplicity. Depending onimplementation, components can be added, omitted, split into multiplecomponents, combined with other components, and/or replaced with likecomponents or systems. Alternatively, a data trustee with differentcomponents and/or other configurations perform one or more of thetechniques described herein.

FIG. 56 illustrates a block diagram of a data trustee 7202. In someimplementations the data trustee is data trustee 4302 described inconnection with FIG. 53. A data trustee 7202 receives official data 7102from a data service provider. The official data 7102 is stored in theofficial database 7102 to ensure that the integrity, security,confidentiality, liability, normal commerce, performance and efficiencygoals of the NAIS are met. The official data is then screened by afilter 7252 to remove confidential information. Screened,non-confidential information is forwarded to the government database7402. Using data from the government database, health officials mayrequest a traceback report on a given animal. The data trustee 7202generates the traceback report 7302 upon request. Preferably, the reportis returned within a specified, agree-upon time period, such as within48-hours of request or less.

A data service provider sends the data trustee 7202 official data 7102.Official data 7102 includes the data necessary to traceback an animal.For example, the official data may include an animal identifier, apremise identifier, group/lot identifiers, the date and time an animalwas at a premise, etc. The official data 7102 also may include othernon-official data. In fact, in some implementations, the data forwardedby the data service provider 7002 includes all of the animal informationcollected by the data service provider. The reasons for doing thisinclude centralizing animal data records and providing wider data accessto industry members.

Alternatively, the government may impose requirements on whatconstitutes official data. For example, currently the governmentrequires access upon request to information describing specific animalevents such as when a tag is allocated, when a tag is applied, when ananimal is moved-in to a premise, moved out of a premise, when a tag islost, when a tag is replaced, when an animal is imported or exported,sightings of animals, when an animal is slaughtered or dies, when a tagis retired, when an animal is missing, veterinarian inspections, druginformation, and other such data. Some of this data is confidential,some of it is not.

Government and health officials are only granted access to the dataafter making a formal request to the official database. Alternatively,access is granted only at the discretion of the official databaseaccording to specific business and industry guidelines. This protectsconfidential information from being released to the public at large.

After the data trustee 7102 receives official data from a data serviceprovider, the official data 7102 is added to the official database 7102by the data trustee 7202. Preferably, the official database operates andis supported 24 hours per day, seven days a week, and 365 days per year.

The official database 7102 is built from commercially available databaseservices and includes the underlying data, hardware, and softwareapplication required to manage, view, access, add to, delete from,modify, etc., the database. An exemplary official database 7102 is anSQL database with application software built to access the underlyingdata. Within the database are various tables and fields, such as animalidentifier, premise identifier, move-in date, move-out date, etc.,defined to receive and store information from a data service provider.Alternatively, a different database builder is used, e.g., an XMLdatabase, an Access database, a web-enabled database, or any otherwell-known database management system (DBMS). In other implementations,a custom database built from the ground up is used.

For ease of administration, the official database 7102 may be spreadover multiple computer systems. For example, a data trustee receivesdata for thousands of animals every day. Due to the volume of theinformation being collected, multiple instances of the database may bedistributed across many different computer systems, perhaps at differentlocations, and perhaps even multiple computer networks, in order tohandle the load. To maintain consistency throughout the instances of thedatabase and to keep the information current, the databases typicallyare synchronized periodically.

In addition, to protect the integrity of the official database 7102,data trustee 7002 uses advanced and state-of the art security measuresto protect the database's underlying hardware, software, and data. Forexample, during transmission to or from the data trustee, the officialdata 7102 may be encrypted using strong encryption algorithms (e.g.,those algorithms provided in the Data Encryption Standard (DES), theInternational Data Encryption Algorithm (IDEA), the RSA algorithm, andAdvanced Encryption Standard (AES)). Alternatively, or in conjunctionwith the strong data encryption algorithms, secure protocols are used totransmit the official data 7102 over a data network. For example, thedata may be sent to a secure website, using the secure hypertexttransfer protocol (HTTPS). Pretty good privacy (PGP) and secure socketsmay also be used to protect the data during transmission. These andother security measures are designed to prevent non-authorized partiesfrom reading or changing the official data 7102.

Furthermore, once the data is stored in the official database othersecurity measures may be used to protect the data. In someimplementations, the data trustees are required to implement strictprocedures, such as requiring data trustee employees to display securitybadges, performing background checks on key personnel, securingcomputers in restricted-access facilities, requiring users to log onusing a registered IP address or network-interface car, and implementingstrong authentication requirements for accessing data, to control accessto the official database 7102.

Moreover, additional security measures may be applied to the database7102. Exemplary measures include encrypting the data within thedatabase, adding security policies to the database that attachprivileges and roles to people with access to confidential information,monitoring and logging a user's activities on the database to detectmisuse or serve as an intrusion detection system, labeling certain typesof data as confidential and creating strict rules for accessing thedata, and auditing connections.

To provide redundancy and back-up in the event of disaster or failure,backup copies of the official database 7102 may be located in at leasttwo secure and private locations. As a matter of procedure, occasionalsystem checks are run to verify the consistency of the data in theofficial database 7102.

Other security measures, such as firewalls and other hardware andsoftware measures, may be used to maintain the integrity of the system.

After the official data is secured, typically at least a portion of itis screened, filtered, and transmitted to the government database 7402.

A filter 7252 screens the official data 7102 to ensure confidentialinformation is removed from official data being forwarded to agovernment-accessible database 7402. In some implementations, the datais filtered automatically. For example, as animal information isreceived from a data service provider, specific database rules arecreated to automatically forward designated fields of data, e.g., theanimal identifier, to the government database 7402. Alternatively, datatrustee personnel filter the data manually, e.g. they visually reviewdata records and remove confidential information. Or, they copy thenon-confidential information into a new data record. Then the new datarecord is forwarded to the government database 7402. Preferably, acombination of both automatic and manual filtering is used.

For example, a filter is programmed into the official database thatautomatically removes all data except for the animal identifier. When anew record arrives, the filter is automatically applied. Then thefiltered data record is sent to a separate repository until it can bereviewed manually to determine if there is any remaining confidentialinformation. This process provides an additional security measure andallows the data to be checked for accuracy before being forwarded to thegovernment database 7402.

In some cases, there is no government database, only the data trustee'sofficial database 7202. Under these circumstances, the filter 7252 maybe applied after receiving an official request for information from agovernment official. In other words, a government official has torequest even non-confidential information before it is released to thegovernment. In this situation, the filter 7252 is applied just beforesending the requested data. Alternatively, the government official maybe granted limited access to the official database, e.g., the rights ofthe government official would be limited to non-confidential information

In some implementations, received data is checked for accuracy beforebeing filtered. For example, the data trustee, before filtering the data7102, verifies the accuracy of some of the received data by checking anational premise identification repository to see if a received premiseidentifier is correct. Additionally, the data trustee may verify theaccuracy of any received animal identifiers by checking an officialdatabase to see if the received numbers are valid. If invalid data isreceived, the data trustee likely will report the error to a dataservice provider or the animal producer, so that appropriate correctionsare made. Alternatively, the identifier checks are performed afterfiltering.

The amount of data being filtered is based on predetermined governmentand business guidelines. In some implementations, all the animalinformation is filtered except for the animal identifier. The animalidentifier is forwarded to the government database 7402 along with thedata record address that corresponds to the animal's information in theofficial database 7102. Alternatively more or less data may be forwardedto the government database.

This filter 7402 allows the system to effectively address the concernsand the requirements of industry and health officials, protectingproducer interests and enabling animal traceback within a short periodof time without impeding the normal movement and commerce of animals.

FIG. 57 shows a technique 8002 for screening official data in an AIF. Atool such as the data trustee 7202 shown in FIG. 56 performs thetechnique 8002. Alternatively, another system, component, group, tool,and/or application perform the technique 8002.

A data trustee tool receives (8102) data records from a data serviceprovider. The received data records include official data that allowsgovernment officials to traceback animals. For example, the receiveddata records include an animal identifier, a premise identifier, andother official data. Alternatively, the received data contains bothcommercial and official data.

Upon receipt of data records from a service provider, the data trusteetool screens (8202) the data for confidential and/or non-officialcontent. If any confidential information is found, the tool filters thatdata out before forwarding the data record. In some implementations, anydata not specifically required by the USDA is filtered. The filterprocess is subject to modification based on government and industryregulations.

After filtering confidential information from the received data, thedata trustee tool passes (8302) the screened data to a governmentdatabase. The government database provides government officials withaccess to information that allows the government to begin tracing ananimal's location history. For example, an animal is diagnosed with aMad Cow disease. Out of concern for public health and safety, agovernment official uses the animal's identifier to look up tracebackdata in the government database. The traceback data stored in thedatabase allows the government to request a trace history report of thediseased animal. Using the reports, other animals that have been insufficiently intimate contact with the diseased animal, such as beingcommingled with the diseased animal, are investigated and treated in anappropriate manner, such as by being quarantined.

Alternatively, various stages of the technique 8002 are separately or invarious combinations performed in conjunction with other stages.

Referring back to FIG. 56, the data trustee 7202 uses a filter 7252 toremove confidential information from received official data. Thefiltered data is forwarded to a government database.

The government database 7402, like the official database, is built fromcommercially available database services. Included within the termgovernment database are the underlying data, hardware, and softwareapplication required to manage, view, access, add to, delete from,modify, etc., the database. An exemplary government database 7202 is anSQL database with application software included to access the underlyingdata. Alternatively, a different database builder is used, e.g., an XMLdatabase, an Access database, a web-enabled database, or any otherwell-known database management system (DBMS). In other implementations,a custom database is developed. The application which accesses thegovernment database is preferably web-based, although alternativeinterfaces may be used. Within the database are various tables andfields, such as animal identifier, data trustee data record, etc.,defined to receive and store information received from the data trustee.

For ease of administration, the database 7102 may be spread overmultiple computer systems. For example, due to the volume of theinformation being forwarded from a data trustee, multiple instances ofthe database may be distributed across many different computer systemsand perhaps even multiple computer networks in order to handle the load.To maintain consistency throughout the instances of the database and tokeep the information current, the databases are synchronizedperiodically.

The government database 7402 stores only animal identificationinformation. When a health related investigation is initiated thedatabase 7402 receives additional information. In some implementations,for every animal record, the database stores an animal identifier and adata record address that points to a location in the official database7102 from which additional animal information is retrieved. For thisreason, the government database 7402 may not implement all of thesecurity measures used to protect the official database 7102, but couldif desired. However, to communicate with the official database 7102, thegovernment database 7402 makes use of some of the same securitymeasures. For example, the government database may employ the toolsnecessary to decrypt encoded data transfers and data packets from a datatrustee 7202. Moreover, in some implementations, other securitymeasures, such as adding security policies to the database, monitoringand logging user activity on the database, and auditing connections, areused to prevent non-authorized parties from reading or changing theofficial data 7102.

To provide redundancy and a fail-safe in the event of a disaster orsystem failure, the government database 7402 is backed up on a periodicbasis. This may be done by maintaining duplicate instances of thedatabase on separate computer systems. If one system fails, thesecondary system begins operating. Moreover, storing a duplicate copy ofthe database at an off-site location, backing up the data using aback-up system such as a tape drive, and other similar mechanisms, allinsure the consistency of the government database 7402. Occasionalsystem checks may be run to verify the consistency of the data in thegovernment database 7402.

As with the official database 7102, other security measures such asfirewalls and other hardware and software measures may be used tomaintain the integrity of the system.

Data trustee 7202 provides various reports 7302 to producers, dataservice providers, and government officials. Similar to the reportsgenerated by the data service provider, some of the reports confirm datahas been received, recorded, meets NAIS standards, etc. These reports7302, like those 5552 described in connection with FIG. 54, provideinformation regarding the status of an animal and also provide a chainof custody that shows where an animal has been. The data trustee 7202also provides animal traceback reports 7302, which unlike theconfirmation reports created by the data trustee, are generated inresponse to a request from government officials and show a completeanimal history.

The confirmation reports 7302 are made in response to animal moveevents. The confirmation reports disclose the factual informationregarding the shipping and receiving premises without necessarilydisclosing the premise identification numbers of previous premiselocations. They allow data service providers and animal producers toverify that data has been accurately recorded and that data has beenproperly reconciled within the database.

For example, an animal is moved from a ranch to a commercial feedlot.This triggers at least two events: an animal move-out event from theranch and an animal move-in event at the commercial feedlot. The dataservice provider records these events and forwards official data such asthe new premise identifier to the data trustee. Upon receipt of theforwarded information, in some implementations, the data trusteegenerates in real-time a confirmation report to the animal producer. Inother implementations, the data trustee reconciles the received dataagainst its own records and those records stored at the national premiseidentifier repository and the official database. If no errors are found,a confirmation report is sent to the data service provider and/or theanimal producer. Similarly, when an error is found, the report notifiesthe data service provider and/or the animal producer of the error.

In order to protect industry privacy interests, some premises receive alifetime premise identifier. In the confirmation reports 7302, thisinformation is not disclosed. On the commerce reports the premiseidentifier is reported as “confirmed.”

The number and type of reports generated by the data service providervaries based on government and industry regulation, animal producer anddata service provider wants and needs, and other such factors.

Related to a confirmation report is a traceback report 7302. Tracebackreports 7302 include a location history for a given animal. For example,whenever an animal is moved, that animal identifier, the new premiseidentifier, date, time, etc. are all recorded in the official database7102. In response to a request from a government official, the officialdatabase 7102 provides data to the government to generate a reporttracing an animal's location history.

In some implementations, generating the report involves searching in theofficial database for every location an animal has been and reportingthe information on that animal alone. Alternatively, when governmentofficials request data for an animal traceback, the official databaseprovides the data to generate a comprehensive list of animals that haveat one time or another commingled, or have been more intimately incontact, with the “traced” animal. This search involves determiningevery premise where an animal has stayed. Then the search continues byidentifying every animal that has stayed at the same premise. Such asearch likely would be computing resource intensive (and may end uplisting every cow in the country). Thus, to narrow the search, the datatrustee 7202 adds additional search terms to its queries, such as thedate an animal was at a premise, a GID, or other piece of data. Byfocusing the search, the data trustee can provide a reasonably accuratereport of all animals that have commingled with the traced animal.Generally, this is done to identify diseased animals.

This type of investigation generally returns only a small percentage ofthe national herd. Thus, only a small percentage of animals need to betreated as deemed appropriate. Moreover, the privacy and securityconcerns of animal producers are protected.

FIG. 58 shows a report similar to what a traceback report 7302 for asingle animal looks like. As listed, an animal with an animal identifierof 840 123456789012 lives at three different premises during itslifetime. The animal is tagged at premise AB12345. On Mar. 15, 2005, theanimal is sighted on the same premise. Later, the animal is moved to asecond premise GHI90JK, where the animal stays for about 5 months. OnDec. 20, 2005, the animal is moved to a slaughter house where it waitsto be slaughtered.

After a traceback report 7302 is generated, if necessary, government andhealth officials develop a strategy 7502 to keep diseased animals out ofthe stream of commerce. For example, animals may be quarantined,treated, or slaughtered as the need arises. Alternatively, the animalsare dealt with in any other suitable manner.

FIG. 59 illustrates a technique 10002 for tracing an animal. Tracingback generally includes identifying an animal 10302 (usually a diseasedone), requesting a traceback report for the animal 10302, identifyingother potentially infected animals 10402, and finally developing astrategy 10502 to protect people from being infected by tainted meat andto reduce the other effects a diseased animal has on commerce. Tools,components, and systems such as those illustrated in FIG. 53 perform thetechnique 11002. Alternatively, another tool and/or system perform thetechnique 10002.

In a first stage, an animal is discovered to have an infectious diseasesuch as Mad Cow disease (10102). To prevent spread of the disease,health officials attempt to determine what animals have commingled withthe diseased animal. This can be done in one of at least two ways. Firstthe health officials using the diseased animal's identifier look up(10302) the data record address for the diseased animal in the officialdatabase and submit (10402) a formal request for a traceback report onthe diseased animal. The formal request may be submitted electronically,e.g. through a web page, through a link in a government databaseapplication, or by some other means.

An official database system then processes the request, searchingthrough relevant records to find where the animal has been (10502).Confidential premise identifiers, such as the PIDs listed in conjunctionwith FIG. 51, identify more specifically premise locations the animalhas stayed. An initial traceback search finds the premise identifiers oflocations where the diseased animal has lived and commingled with otheranimals.

Subsequent recursive searches (10602) using additional search terms,such as the time and date of move-in, a group number, narrow the searchscope and limit the number of animals that need to be quarantined. Thisprocess is repeated until a complete list of animals that havecommingled with the diseased animal is generated. Then the healthofficials can take the necessary precautions and intervening steps toquarantine, treat, or slaughter potentially infected animals.

Alternatively, various stages of the technique (10002) are separately orin various combinations performed in conjunction with other stages.

Systems such as those described in connection with the input datasources 5102, 5202 of FIG. 54 transmit (11102) animal information. Insome implementations, the data is transmitted to data collection toolssuch as those described in connection with the data service provider5002. The transmitted data is received (11202) by the data collectionsystem and stored in a repository. The transmitted data includes animalinformation, such as an animal identifier, a premise identifier, andother data that is typically associated with commercial animal datacollection services.

For example, an owner may have a small herd and each animal has beentagged with an identification device properly encoded with universalanimal identifiers. To prepare the animals for processing, the ownermoves his small herd to a commercial feedlot, which acts as a designateddata service provider, so the animals will fatten up before sale. Theanimals' movements are tracked. When the animals are sent to thecommercial feedlot, the animal identifier and other information encodedon the identification devices are transmitted to a service provider,which stores the information and reports to the owner that the animalsarrived.

The data collector system then forwards all or part of the collecteddata to a data trustee system such as the data trustee 7002 discussed inconnection with FIG. 56.

The data trustee system confirms receipt of the information, stores theforwarded information, and removes and/or hides confidential portions ofthe information (11302).

For example, in the scenario described above, the collected data fromthe small animal herd is forwarded to the data trustee system. The datatrustee verifies the owner's premise identifier and the animals'identifiers. A report is sent to the owner either confirming entry ofthe data in the database or detailing errors found in the data. Ineither case, the cattle owner has the opportunity to reconcile the dataagainst his own records and correct any errors.

A portion of the screened data may be sent (11402) to agovernment-accessible database system, such as the government database7302 described in connection with FIG. 56.

For example, in the above scenario, the data trustee filtersconfidential information from the data it received and only forwardsnon-confidential information, such as the animal identifier, to thegovernment-accessible database system.

Now suppose one of the cattle owner's animals is diagnosed with aninfectious disease, such as Mad Cow disease. Using the animal identifieras a starting point, government and health officials request a tracebackreport on the sick animal (11502). Per the technique (10002) describedin connection with FIG. 59, a traceback history is generated by the datatrustee system. The traceback history provides enough data forgovernment and health officials to impose proper quarantines and othermeasures to protect the health and well-being of animals, as well ashuman beings. For example, the diagnosed cow is slaughtered and burnedto avoid spreading the disease to other animals. Those animals that hadcontact with the diseased animal may be quarantined for a period of timeto be treated and to see if they manifest any symptoms of the disease.

Many of the tools and techniques herein can be described in the generalcontext of computer-executable instructions, such as those included inprogram modules, being executed in a computing environment on a targetreal or virtual processor. Generally, program modules include routines,programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc.that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract datatypes. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or splitbetween program modules as desired in various embodiments.Computer-executable instructions for program modules may be executedwithin a local or distributed computing environment.

For the sake of presentation, the detailed description uses terms like“determine,” “generate,” “adjust,” and “apply” to describe computeroperations in a computing environment. These terms are high-levelabstractions for operations performed by a computer and, in less thecontext indicates otherwise, should not be confused with acts performedby a human being. The actual computer operations corresponding to theseterms vary depending on implementation.

Feed Delivery 1

This subsection describes various process steps and system componentsfor delivering feed to animals. These process steps and systemcomponents can be used in conjunction with evaluation of an animal'srespiratory or circulatory condition, as discussed above. Informationgather by imaging and evaluating an animal's respiratory or circulatorysystem, such as respiratory damage designations, can be used as thebasis for management decisions regarding feed delivery. For example, ananimal with damaged lungs may be administered an inexpensive maintenancediet, whereas an animal with healthy lungs is administered a moreexpensive weight gain diet.

The microingredient feed additive concentrates include such potentsubstances as hormones, antibiotics, and vitamins that are typicallyadministered to cattle and poultry at feeding operations, such as cattlefeedlots, in gram amounts or less. It is often essential that aprescribed amount of a microingredient be delivered to an animal, and nomore. Too little of a microingredient has no effect, while too much ofit may be toxic or fatal. The range between too much or too little ofsome additives is often no more than 0.5 gram. The apparatus and methoddisclosed in this detailed description is intended to accuratelydispense dry and liquid additive concentrates within this range ofaccuracy.

With reference to the drawings, FIG. 61 illustrates an apparatus showngenerally at 1013 for measuring, dispensing, and deliveringmicroingredient feed additive concentrates in small but accurateproportions in a liquid carrier slurry to livestock shortly beforedelivery of the feed ration to the animals for consumption. Theapparatus 1013 includes several separate components including a maincabinet 1113, and a remote control unit 2013, shown for convenience nearcabinet 1113 but normally located at a remote control station such as ata feed truck filling station in a feedlot. Additional separatecomponents include multiple liquid additive concentrate storagecontainers 7613, 7813 (only one being shown in FIG. 61) supported on astand 7913, and their dispensing pumps 7913 (see FIG. 62). Typically, aseparate water supply tank 1953 (FIG. 64) supplies the necessary carrierand flush water to the cabinet through fill and flush conduits (FIG.10), via a booster pump 1933 (FIG. 64).

Another separate cabinet (not shown) houses a weigh micro computer, orcentral processing unit, shown schematically at 4243 in FIG. 64. Asecond microcomputer, or central processing unit, shown schematically at4303 in FIG. 64, for controlling the machine sequencing and volumetricmetering functions, is housed within one end portion 1313 of cabinet1113. Various speed controls and electrical relay interfaces andcircuitry of the control system shown in FIG. 64 are also housed withincabinet end portion 1313. Such end portion is a separate compartment ofcabinet 1113 that can be swung open about a hinged vertical axis foraccess.

Cabinet 1113 houses the major mechanical components of the apparatus.The exterior of the cabinet, with its protective panels 1213, completelyencloses and shields such components from external dust, dirt and othercontaminants common in a feedlot environment. The panels also protectthe internal components, especially the weight-sensitive ones, fromexternal forces such as wind, jarring contact, and the like, that wouldotherwise affect the accuracy of weight measurements.

Referring to FIG. 64 showing the major components inside the cabinet1113, such components include a main frame 4613 and an entirely separateand independently mounted subframe 3413, each mounting certaincomponents. Access to the components mounted on these frames is gainedthrough access doors 1513, 1713, 1913 in a front wall of the cabinet1113, and through hinged lids 1613, 1813 on a top wall of the cabinet.

In general, weigh subframe 3413 mounts those components which arenecessary to the weighing function of the apparatus, and main frame 4613mounts the remaining components that could, during their operation,induce undesirable movements in the weigh components to adversely affectthe weighing function. Accordingly, the weigh subframe serves as a meansfor isolating the weight components from internal machine movementsinduced through operation of components on the main frame.

The main frame components include storage bins 6813, 7013, 7213, 7413for storing different dry additive concentrates, dry additive dispensingmeans 8013 for dispensing additives from the storage bins, and anadditive-receiving means comprising a mixing vessel or tank 1703. Othermain frame-mounted components include a discharge pump 2443 for pumpingslurry from mixing vessel 1703, slurry mixers 1803, and various plumbingcomponents for supplying carrier and flush water to the mixing vesseland discharging slurry liquid from the vessel. Cabinet lids 1613, 1813provide access to the storage bins for refilling them.

The subframe 3413 includes an entire subassembly of weigh components,including a weigh hopper means comprising the compartmented weigh hopper1223, and a suspension means for suspending the weigh hopper from aweighing means 2503. The suspension means includes a pair of suspensionframes 1233, one at either end of the weigh hopper. Each such framerotatably supports weigh hopper 1223. Each suspension frame 1233includes a suspension arm 2703 suspending the suspension frame from theweigh means 2503. The weigh means includes, at each end of the subframe3413, a weigh tower 2523 projecting upwardly from the subframe andsuspending therein a load cell 2643. The load cell in turn suspends theweigh hopper through an appropriate connection to suspension arm 2703 ofsuspension frame 1233.

Remote control unit 2013 includes a computer terminal 2213 supported ona stand 3013 having a base plate 3213. Terminal 2213 includes a primarykeyboard 2413, a primary display screen 2613, a small, secondarykeyboard 2713 and a small, secondary display screen 2913. Variouscontrol switches and indicators are provided on a control switch box2813 mounted on a shelf 3113 of the stand below the terminal 2213.

Apparatus 1013 is seen therein and in FIG. 65 to comprise a weigh frame3413 having four uprights 3613 and two each of parallel crossbeams 3813,4013 and longitudinal beams 3713, 3913 rigidly interconnecting the fouruprights 3613. A vertical slat 4113, 4313 is carried between each pairof beams 3713, 3913. Each of uprights 3613 has an enlarged foot 4213 toenhance the stability of weigh frame 3413. Each foot 4213 is mounted onan elastomeric isolation pad 4413 (FIG. 63) which absorbs vibrations orother environmental influences that may affect the accuracy of thefunctions performed by weigh frame 3413. Each pad 4413 includes a squareupper plate 4513 to which foot 4213 is secured, the upper plate having aperipheral, downwardly depending flange which forms an enclosure. Asquare lower plate 4713 is attached to a floor with bolts below plate4513 and has a peripheral, upwardly extending flange that forms anenclosure. A rubber cushion 4813 is placed between plates 4513, 4713within the enclosures formed by the flanges on the plates. Cushion 4813is thick enough to maintain the upwardly and downwardly extendingflanges in spaced relationship so that vibrations are not communicatedbetween plates 4513, 5713.

Separate mounting or main frame 4613 substantially surrounds weigh frame3413, the mounting frame 4613 comprising four uprights 4913interconnected by four top support beams 5013 and four bottom supportbeams 5213. Two intermediate parallel support beams 5113, 5313 extendacross opposing parallel faces of frame 4613, and two parallel supportbeams 5413, 5513 extend across the middle of frame 4613 parallel tobeams 5113, 5313. A pair of parallel, U-shaped brackets 56, 57 are fixedto and suspend from beams 5113, 5413 (FIG. 68), and a pair of similarU-shaped brackets are fixed to and suspend from beams 5313, 5513. Onlyone U-shaped bracket 5913 is shown in FIG. 64, although it will beunderstood that a second, parallel U-shaped bracket extends betweenbeams 5313, 5513 in an arrangement similar to that shown in FIG. 68 forU-shaped brackets 5613, 5713.

Mounting frame 4613 is supported by casters 5813 each having a roller6013 that is received within a cup 6213 that is attached to an isolationpad 6413 which is similar in structure to pad 4413 shown in FIG. 63. Pad6413 comprises a top plate 6513 having a peripheral, downwardlydepending flange and a bottom plate 6613 bolted to the floor and havinga peripheral, upwardly extending flange. A rubber cushion 6713 ispositioned between plates 6513, 6613 within the enclosures formed bytheir peripheral flanges, the width of cushion 6713 being great enoughto keep the peripheral flanges in spaced relationship to one another andavoid metal to metal contact which might transfer vibrations.

FIGS. 62 and 64 show multiple storage means such as dry additiveconcentrate storage bins 6813, 7013, 7213, and 7413 for storingseparately a plurality of different dry microingredient feed additiveconcentrates. Each of the bins has a square top opening and squarebottom opening, the bottom opening having a smaller area than the topopening such that the cross-sectional area of each bin diminishes in thedirection of the bottom opening. A pair of vibrator motors 7513, 7713(FIG. 64) are placed on each bin 6813-7213 to assist in moving drymicroingredient concentrates out of the bins during dispensing.

A plurality of liquid containers 7613, 7813 are also shown in FIG. 62for storing separately different liquid microingredient feed additiveconcentrates. The liquid containers are supported on a table 7913 (FIG.61) adjacent cabinet 1113 and connected to the apparatus throughflexible tubes described later.

A separate dry dispensing means 8013 is provided for each dry bin6813-7413. A separate liquid dispensing means 1203 is provided for eachliquid container 7613-7813. Each liquid and dry dispensing means isindependently operated and controlled for dispensing separately severalselected additive concentrates from their respective bins and liquidcontainers in predetermined weights during a machine operating cycle.

One of the dry dispensing means 8013 for a dry microingredient is shownbest in FIGS. 64 and 68. It includes an annular collar 8213 having asquare cross section. The collar fits closely about the open bottom of abin 6813-7413 and extends partially up its sidewalls. Collar 8213 has asquare frusto-pyramidal configuration which defines a flow passageway ofprogressively decreasing cross section from the bottom bin opening to atop opening into a coreless metering screw assembly 8413 within arectangular lower extension section 8613 of collar 8213 having a curvedbottom. Screw assembly 8413 includes a rotatable core 8813 which carriesa helical metal screw 9013 and rectangular screw agitator 9213 with acircular band 9413 around one end thereof. A stationary rear one-halftube extension 9613 of a conveyor tube 1083 projects into the interiorof agitator 9213 to start the conveyance of material that is moved bythe screw 9013 into conveyor tube 1083. Agitator 9213 helps maintain auniform microingredient density around rotating screw 9013.

Agitator 9213 is rotated by a shaft 1003 which is driven through aright-angle gear box 1043 by a variable-speed motor 1023, with threepre-set speeds. Core 8813 and screw 9013 project through opening 1063and into conveyor tube 1083 having an open end that terminates adjacenta deflection plate 1103 above the top opening of weigh hopper 1223. Thusthe metering screw assembly conveys additive from the supply bin into acompartment of the weigh hopper.

Each of liquid containers 7613, 7813 is provided with a separatedispensing means 1203. Each liquid dispensing means is, for example, avariable-speed or displacement rotary or piston pump 7913 (FIG. 62). Theliquid dispensing means pumps liquid additive from a container 7613,7813 through a flexible feed conduit which connects to a rigiddispensing tube end 1203 (FIG. 65) on the weigh subframe to deliver theadditive into a liquid compartment 1173-1183 of weigh hopper 1223.

The hopper 1223 (FIGS. 62, 64, 65, and 67) is carried by weigh subframe3413 between frame slats 4113, 4313 below the open end of extension tube1083 of screw conveyor 8013. Hopper 1223 is an elongated trough having asubstantially semicylindrical cross section and a plurality ofpartitions 1123 which divide the hopper transversely into several drymicroingredient receiving compartments 1133, 1143, 1153, 1163. Each ofthe dry compartments 1133-1163 is provided with a deflector 1323 on itspartition wall having a triangular cross section that directs additiveconcentrates to the interior of the compartments during both filling andemptying of the hopper.

Additional partitions 1113 of hopper 1223 cooperate with some partitions1123 and upper walls 1283 to define liquid additive-receivingcompartments 1173, 1183 having narrow openings 1303 into which liquiddispensing tubes 1203 direct liquid additives from containers 7613,7813.

The liquid and dry additive compartments of hopper 1223 maintaindispensed additives separated until the hopper discharges its contents,after weighing, into the diluting liquid carrier within the mixingvessel 1703 positioned vertically below the hopper.

Hopper 1223 is supported by weigh frame 3413 such that it is free torotate about its longitudinal axis. Each semicircular end plate 1343(one being shown in FIG. 67) of hopper 1223 is secured to a shaft 1363.The shaft 1363 at the hopper end shown in FIG. 67 is drivingly connectedto a motor 1383 that is fixed to hopper suspension frame 1233 by amounting bracket 2733. The shaft at the opposite end of the hopper ismounted in a bearing 1403 (FIG. 64). Motor 1383 operates first to rotatehopper 1223 to an inverted position for emptying (FIG. 71); then to anupright position (in the same direction) for the next dispensing andweighing cycle.

An air flush means for compartments 1133-1163 of hopper 1223 is shown inFIG. 71. The air flush means is carried by the main frame and comprisesa compressor 1423 in fluid communication through passageway 1443 withair pressure accumulator tank 1463. A solenoid valve 1493 regulates theflow of air through passageway 1483 to header 1503. The header in turnfluidly communicates with a plurality of hoses 1523 that project intoeach compartment 1133-1163 of hopper 1223 when the hopper is inverted.Each of hoses 1523 is positioned to direct a stream of air against farwall 1543 of the hopper. It is not necessary to direct the air streamagainst near wall 1563 because that wall will have already been scrapedrelatively clean by the movement of dry additives against the wall andout of the hopper as hopper 1223 rotates to an inverted position.

A vibrator motor 1413 is carried by suspension frame 1233 at the end ofhopper 1223 opposite hopper rotating motor 1383. Vibrator motor 1413operates during inversion of the hopper to promote emptying of thehopper compartments by vibrating the hopper.

An elongated mixing vessel 1703 which serves as a receiving means forreceiving additives from the hopper 1223 and also as a mixing means formixing such additives with water, is placed below hopper 1223. Vessel1703 is an elongated tub that is longer and wider than hopper 1223.Vessel 1703 comprises a continuous, annular upright wall 1723 around asloping bottom formed from a plurality of triangular sections 1763 thatslope towards a pair of central bottom openings including an inlet port1773 and discharge port 1783.

Variable speed flow inducing means, such as variable two-speed mixers1803, serve as part of the mixing means and are provided in mixingvessel 1703 for inducing a turbulent flow of liquid within the mixingvessel. Each mixer 1803 is comprised of four angled mixing blades 1823connected to the end of a rotary mixing shaft 1843 that is connected toa gearbox 1863 and motor 1883 for rotating shaft 1843. Each of motors1883 is mounted on a motor mounting frame 1903 along an outside face ofvessel wall 1723. Level sensors 1923, 1943 are also mounted over theedges of wall 1723 and project downwardly into the tub for determiningthe level of water contained therein and shutting off a supply of waterto the tub when a predetermined level is reached. Sensors 1923, 1943are, for example, electrodes through which an electrical circuit iscompleted or a timing circuit energized when the water surface in thetub reaches the predetermined level. Sensor 1923 is the primary sensor,while sensor 1943 is a backup sensor which detects a near overflowcondition, closes fill solenoid 2063, and interrupts the fill cycle.

FIG. 70 shows a plumbing system for apparatus 1013 which delivers andremoves carrier and flush water from vessel 1703. Water is introducedfrom a source 1953 by pump 1933 through line 1943 where its pressure isdetected by pressure gauge 1963. Water then continues to flow throughline 1983 where it is divided by tee 2003 into water lines 2023, 2043.The flow of water through fill line 2043 is controlled by solenoid valve2063 which, when open, allows water to flow through line 2083, thence toconduit 2103 and into vessel 1703 through port 1773. When solenoid valve2063 is open, a second solenoid valve 2123 in line 2023 remains closedsuch that all of the supply of water moves through line 2043 to fillvessel 1703.

Solenoid valve 2123 is interposed between line 2023 and flush line 2143that in turn communicates with line 2163 to establish fluidcommunication with conduit 2103. Line 2143 also fluidly communicateswith line 2183 having branches 2203, 2223. Branch 2203 fluidlycommunicates with a pair of nozzles 2243, one positioned above blades1823 of each mixer 1803, nozzle 2243 directing a flow of water onto theblades to clean them. Line 2223 provides a passageway through which thewater moves to flush ring 2263 (FIGS. 69 and 70) which is positionedaround the upper inner periphery of vessel 1703 adjacent its top edge.Ring 2263 has a number of flush nozzles 2283 which direct a flow ofwater downwardly against wall 1723 of vessel 1703 to flush it.

Apparatus 1013 also has a delivery means for delivering slurry fromvessel 1703 to a receiving station for mixing with an animal feed rationat a location remote from the mixing vessel. This delivery meansincludes discharge opening 1783 in fluid communication with conduit 2403that empties into discharge line 2423. Discharge pump 2443 withdrawsslurry through line 2423 and sends it through line 2463 to receivingstation 2483 where, typically, it is sprayed into a livestock feedration and mixed therewith.

A weighing means 2503 (FIG. 66) is provided on weigh frame 3413 forweighing predetermined weights of the different additive concentratesdispensed from bins 6813-7413 and containers 7613, 7813. Weighing means2503 includes a weigh tower 2523 extending vertically upward from acrossbeam 4013 of weigh frame 3413 midway between uprights 3613 at eachend of frame 3413. Each tower 2523 has a flat top plate 2543 with acentral opening through which the threaded shank of an eye member 2563is placed and secured with a nut. A rubber pad 2583 is placed againstthe interior face of plate 2543 before member 2563 is secured to topplate 2543 with the nut. A pair of suspension members 2603 pivotallyinterconnect eye member 2563 and a second eye member 2623 from which aload cell 2643 is suspended. The amount of strain on load cell 2643 iscommunicated to a control unit through line 2653. The load cell 2643 inthe preferred embodiment is capable of weighing to an accuracy of 0.5grams.

A rubber isolator pad 2663 is pivotally suspended beneath load cell 2643by suspension members 2683. A suspension arm 2703 of the hoppersuspension frame 1233 is in turn suspended from isolation pad 2663 byhook 2723 and eye 2743 secured to arm 2703. Arms 2703 of suspensionframes 1233 thus suspend hopper 1223 such that the entire weight of thehopper is freely suspended from load cells 2643. Arms 2703 are braced bygussets 2713 to their rectangular weigh frames 1233. Hopper 1223 issuspended interior to frames 1233 between slats 4113, 4313 of frame 3413by suspending shafts 1363, one of which is driven (FIG. 67) and theother of which is mounted in a bearing 1403 (FIG. 64). The hopper istherefore free to rotate between frames 1233 to an inverted position.This arrangement allows the weight of the hopper to be transferredthrough frames 1233 to arms 2703 for acting on load cells 2643. Theweight of additive concentrates in hopper means 1223 can therefore beaccurately determined.

As best shown in FIG. 67, a transverse vibration and sway dampening rod2763 extends between a bracket 2783 carried by an upright of hoppersuspension frame 1233 and a bracket 2793 carried by two longitudinalbeams 3713, 3913 of weigh frame 3413. Such a rod 2763 is provided ateach end of weigh frame 3413 adjacent face 1343 of hopper 1223 forpreventing or damping transverse movements of the hopper. A similarlongitudinal rod (not shown) extends along one longitudinal side ofhopper 1223 to prevent or dampen longitudinal vibratory or swayingmovements of hopper 1223, one end of the longitudinal rod being fixed tolongitudinal beam 3913 and the other end being fixed to weigh frame3413. Such sway dampening rods provide part of the means isolating theweight-sensitive components of the apparatus from movements that couldaffect accurate weight measurements.

Apparatus 1013 is provided with a control means, such as a centralprocessing unit, for controlling the operation of apparatus 1013. In thepreferred embodiment, two-programmed central processing units are used,one for operating the weighing functions of apparatus 1013 and the otherfor operating all other machine functions.

The logic of the program for operating the weighing functions of themachine is shown in FIG. 72. The weighing CPU is activated by startingthe menu at 2803 and then entering ration data with keyboard 2413 for aparticular feedlot or data for one of a series of desired batches at afeedlot. The formulation of each desired batch has been preprogrammedinto the computer such that a batch formulation can be chosen byentering a code number at 2823. The computer then searches at 2843 for amatch to this encoded formulation until the match is found and themachine is ready to batch. If a match is not found, the program at 2853returns to step 2803 and a prompt is sent to screen 2613 to enter rationdata.

Once a match is found at 2843, a program prompt at 2863 appears onscreen 2613 requesting the size of the batch to be prepared. After thisinformation is entered, the program prompt at 2873 requests the numberof batches to be prepared, and if the batch size exceeds the capacity ofthe preprogrammed limit for the feed lot ration mixer or thecompartments 1133-1183 of hopper 1223, this is computed at 2883. Ifcapacity has been exceeded, a prompt is sent to screen 2613 at box 2893,and the program will request that new data concerning batch size andnumber be entered by returning to step 2863. If capacity has not beenexceeded, the machine is ready to batch at 2903.

The weighing computer first checks to determine if a weigh switch is onat 2923, and if the weigh switch is off, an alarm is sounded at step2933 and the program returns to ready at 2903. The alarm will alert anoperator that the weighing switch must be turned on in order forbatching to continue.

The program next calculates metering ration data at 2943 and sends it tothe machine operating program at 2953 as indicated by A in FIGS. 72 and73. The metering data is calculated for any additives that have beenselected for dispensing in the metering mode during the weigh cycle.Dispensing a portion of the additives by volume is more fully set forthin connection with steps 3613-3633 of FIG. 73 below.

The program then sets an output for the water level at 2963, the levelof the water determining how much fluid carrier will be present in theslurry which is ultimately delivered to receiving station 2483. Waterlevel information is sent to the machine operating program at 2973, asindicated by B in FIGS. 72 and 73. The program next waits at 2983 for astart signal which the operator gives by activating start switch 2993 onswitch panel 2813. The weighing cycle is then started at 3003 by sendinga start signal at 3013 to the machine operating program as indicated byC in FIGS. 72 and 73. Even though the weighing cycle has started, noweighing of microingredients actually commences until a signal isreceived back from the machine operating program at 3023 as indicated byD in FIGS. 72 and 73 that indicates weighing should begin at 3043. Thiscommunication between the programs at D enables the machine operatingprogram to begin its initial checks while microingredients are beingdispensed and weighed.

Once the signal to begin weighing is received at 3043, the weighingsequence begins at 3063. It is first determined at 3083 whether a motionsensor is detecting movement of hopper means 1223. Information isreceived from the motion sensor on the hopper at 3093, as indicated by Ein FIGS. 72 and 73. The program will not progress beyond 3083 until themotion sensor indicates that hopper means 1223 is not moving, sincemovement of the hopper means will adversely affect weight determinationsof load cell 2643. Hopper means 1223 can be put in motion by a varietyof influences, such as wind gusts, floor vibration, personnel contact,or movement of machine parts. Although the effect of these movements onload cell 2643 may not be great, the extreme accuracy required indispensing microingredient feed additive concentrates makes absence ofmovement desirable.

It is next determined at 3103 whether the scale reading is less than1000 grams. If the reading is greater than 1000 grams, it is probablybecause the hopper means is not empty, as indicated at 3113, and asignal is sent at 3123, 3133 to dump hopper means 1223 so that weighingof a new lot of microingredients can begin. The signal to dump is sentto the machine operating program as indicated at step 3143 and F inFIGS. 72 and 73. The mixers 1823 are also started at 3153 as indicatedby Gin FIGS. 72 and 73 so that the microingredients dumped from hoppermeans 1223 will be mixed into a slurry and discharged to receivingstation 2483 in accordance with normal operation of the machineoperating program described in connection with FIG. 73 below.

If the scale reading is less than 1000 grams, it is determined at 3163if the scale reads below zero. If that is the case, a message is givento the operator by 3173 on screen 2613 that the scale has failed and thesupervisor should be called. Then at 3183 the program prompts theoperator to switch to a backup metering mode system which dispensesadditive concentrates by volume instead of by weight, and a prompt issent at 3193 to screen 2613 directing that the weigh switch 3213 atpanel 2813 be turned off. The operator then performs as outlined in FIG.75 by turning the meter switch on at step 5003 and entering ration dataat 5023. Volumetric metering of additive concentrates is performed byactivating motor 1023 of each bin 6813-7413 to rotate screw 9013 for apredetermined period of time. Since screw 9013 will dispense anapproximate known amount of concentrate per unit of time, a volumetricapproximation of the desired amount of concentrate can be dispensedwithout weighing.

If the scale reads above zero at 3163, the weighing mode of the programis instead used. Ingredient flow is started at 3203 by activating motor1023 for screw 9013 below bin 6813. Motor 1023 has at least two speedsso that it initially operates at a higher speed during the initial phaseof dispensing additive concentrates from bin 6813 into a firstcompartment 1133 of hopper means 1223. The weight of concentrateintroduced into compartment 1133 is sensed by load cell 2643 and thatinformation is continually fed back to the computer through line 2653.As the weight of concentrate dispensed from bin 6813 approaches thepredetermined amount of that concentrate for the batch formulationchosen at 2823, motor 1223 is switched to a lower speed at 3223 and 3243that more slowly dispenses the concentrate from bin 6813 during a finalphase of dispensing. In this manner, a more accurate weight ofmicroingredient can be dispensed from bin 6813 into compartment 1133since the dispensing of additive will have slowed before it is finallystopped when the correct weight of this first concentrate is sensed at3263.

The program contains a weight compensation step at 3283. It sometimeshappens that the actual weight of additive concentrate dispensed bydispensing means 8013 into compartment 1133 will be slightly greater orless than the desired weight set by the ration data at 2823. The programcompensates for such inaccuracies by adding or subtracting a weightcompensation factor to the ration amount set for the additiveconcentrate at 2823. In this manner, the weight inaccuracy will becorrected the next time a microingredient additive is dispensed from bin6813 into compartment 1133.

When the predetermined weight of microingredient additive concentrate issensed at 3263 and the weighing of that component has been completed,the computer determines if the just dispensed concentrate was the lastmicroingredient dispensed at 3303. Assuming the microingredientconcentrate in bin 6813 was not the only concentrate to be dispensed inthis formulation, the program then returns to box 3203, and the flow ofingredients from bin 7013 is initiated by activating motor 1023 beneathbin 7013 to turn screw 9013 at a fast speed and begin movingmicroingredient additive from bin 7013 into compartment 1143 of hoppermeans 1223. Load cell 2643 continues to sense the weight of concentrateadded to hopper means 1223 from bin 7013 until that weight begins toapproach the final predetermined weight desired of the secondconcentrate. This predetermined weight will be the total actual netweights of the first additive concentrate plus the predetermined weightof the second additive concentrate since hopper means 1223 has not yetinverted and the first additive concentrate still remains in compartment1133. As the total combined actual weight of additive concentrate incompartments 1133, 1143 approaches the predetermined amount, motor 1023is switched to a slower speed, and additive concentrate is continued tobe slowly dispensed with screw 9013 from bin 7013 until the totalcombined weight of additive concentrate is reached, and motor 1203 isshut off.

This same procedure is repeated until the predetermined weight ofadditive from each of bins 7213, 7413 is similarly dispensed intocompartments 1153, 1163. Liquid microingredient additive concentratesfrom containers 7613 and 7813 are dispensed by activation of a liquidpump which sequentially dispenses liquid additive from containers 7613,7813 into liquid receiving compartments 1173, 1183 of hopper means 1223until a predetermined amount of each liquid additive has been dispensed.

Once the last additive has been dispensed, as determined at 3303, thecomputer determines that weighing has been completed at 3323, whichsends at 3343 a signal to the machine sequence program as indicated by Hin FIGS. 72 and 73. The computer pauses at 3363 to wait on discharge ofhopper means 1223. Once dumping of hopper means 1223 has been completedby inversion of the hopper and its return to an upright position, thisinformation is sent from the machine operating program of FIG. 73 to theweighing program of FIG. 72 as shown at 1 and 3383. It is thendetermined at 3403 whether another batch of microingredient is required.If not, the program returns from 3423 to its starting point at 2803. Ifanother batch is required, the program returns to box 2923 and thesequence repeats itself as described above.

Although not shown in FIG. 72, the weigh program can be modified to keepa running inventory of additive concentrates. This can be accomplishedby entering into the weigh computer the weight of additive concentrateplaced in each of bins 6813-7413 and containers 7613, 7813. The weightof each concentrate actually dispensed and sensed by load cells 2643 isthen subtracted from the original weight of concentrate to determine theinventory of concentrate remaining.

The control means can also be programmed to perform other functions thatenhance the accuracy of weight determinations by the weighing means. Forexample, the isolating means can include programming the control meansto prevent acceptance of the measured weight by the control meansfollowing operation of dispensing means 8013 until motion of hoppermeans 1223 sensed by motion sensors has subsided to a level that willnot affect load cells 2643. The same result can be achieved byprogramming the control means to delay operation of all other movablemachine components (such as dispensing means 8013, 1203 or mixers 1823)for a predetermined period of time sufficient for hopper 1223 to settleor until any oscillatory movements subside. Alternatively, the isolatingmeans can include programming the control means to prevent operation ofmoving components (such as dispensing means 8013, 1203 or mixers 1823)while weight determinations are being made by the load cells 2643.

FIG. 73 schematically illustrates the logic of a program for actuatingthe sequence of operations of apparatus 1013. The program begins bydetermining at 3443 if the weigh switch on switch panel 2813 has beenturned on. Once the weigh switch is on, the program is ready for ametering data signal at 3453. It waits at 3463 until the metering rationdata is received at 3463 from steps 3473 and 2953 as indicated by A.

Once the metering data is received, the program is ready to batch at3483. It receives water level data at 3493 from 3503 and 2973 asindicated by B. The start signal from 3013 is then relayed via C to 3513and 3523. The machine cycle is then started at 3533, and initiation ofthe cycle is signaled to the weighing program from 3543 through D to3023.

Boost pump 1933 is then turned on at 3553 for introducing water throughline 1943 in FIG. 70 with solenoid 2063 open and solenoid 2123 closed.It is determined at step 3553 if the boost pump is on, and if it is not,an alarm is sounded at 3563 that the pump is switched off. Boost pump1933 introduces water through line 2083, conduit 2103, and port 1773until a predetermined water level set at 2943 is sensed by level probe1923. If the predetermined water level is not reached within a setperiod of time as indicated by 3573, an alarm sounds at 3583 to indicatethat an error has occurred. Otherwise, if mixing vessel 1703 fillswithin the set time, this condition is detected by level probe 1923 andmixing blade motors 1883 are activated at 3593 on a slow speed to causethe water in mixing vessel 1703 to flow. If the motors 1883 do not turnon, an alarm is given at 3603 to alert the operator of this malfunction.

It is possible to accurately dispense some liquid microingredientadditives such as those in containers 7413, 7613 by volumetric meteringinstead of weighing. Such accurate volumetric metering is possible sincethe density of most liquids is quite constant over the range ofenvironmental conditions in which apparatus 1013 is used. Volumetricmetering of liquid additives selected by the metering ration data isachieved at 3613 by activating the piston pump in dispensing means 1203for a period of time determined by 3623, 3633. Once the metering step iscompleted, the dumping mechanism is enabled at 3643 for proceeding toweigh complete step 3653 before inverting hopper 1223.

The program waits at step 3653 for the weighing sequence shown in FIG.72 step 3203 through step 3343 to be complete. Once the weighingsequence is completed at step 3343, a signal is sent to 3653 through3663 at H from the weigh program, and the sequence program progresses to3673 where a signal is given at 3683 from 3143 via F to actuate motor1383 and invert hopper means 1223 to dispense the additive concentratescontained in compartments 1133-1183 separately but simultaneously intothe flowing water of vessel 1703. The dumping mechanism is disabled at3693 once the hopper leaves its upright position. Once hopper means 1223is inverted at 3703, vibrators on the hopper are activated at step 3723to promote complete removal of all microingredient particles from bins1133-1183. Compressor 1423 is next actuated at 3733 to compress air inair tank 1463, and a solenoid to header 1503 is opened which moves aflow of air through hoses 1523 and toward wall 1543 of each ofcompartments 1133-1163 to remove any traces of solid additiveconcentrates from the compartments. Air flushing continues for apredetermined period of time at step 3733.

Hopper means 1223 is then sent to its home position at step 3743 byactivating hopper motor 1383 to continue to turn shaft 1363 in the samedirection it turned to invert the hopper. When the hopper returns to itsupright position, this is sensed by a switch as indicated by step 3753,and a signal is sent at 3763, 3773 to 3383 through I that the contentsof hopper means 1223 have been dumped, and another weigh cycle (FIG. 72)can begin. Meanwhile the machine operating program of FIG. 73 progressesto step 3783 which switches motors 1883 of mixers 1803 to a higherspeed. The lower motor speed is used until hopper means 1223 leaves itsinverted position since high speed mixing while the hopper is invertedcould cause water drops to be splashed into containers 1133-1163. Step3783 also begins to measure a predetermined mixing time. When the periodfor the preselected mixing time expires, as determined at 3803, themixing motors 1883 are switched back to their lower speed. Once theweighing program receives a discharge signal at 3813 from step 3153through G and 3823, or alternatively from actuation of a dischargeswitch 3833 on switch panel 2813, a discharge signal is sent by theprogram at 3843 to discharge the slurry in vessel 1703. A solenoid valvein line 2403 then opens, and pump 2443 (FIG. 70) is activated to removethe slurry through outlet 1783 in vessel 1703. Mixer blades 1823continue turning at a slow speed until a predetermined period of timeexpires, as set by step 3853. Pump 2443 continues operating as the waterlevel lowers and finally clears the bottom of probe 1923, as illustratedby step 3863. If the level probe is not cleared within a predeterminedperiod of time, an alarm is given at 3873 to indicate a pumpingmalfunction.

After the water level clears the bottom of probe 1923, pump 2443continues operating and a timed flush cycle begins at 3883. Boost pump1933 is activated at 3893 for introducing water through line 1943 assolenoid 2063 is closed and solenoid 2123 is opened. In this manner,flush water is introduced through line 2143 so that it enters vessel1703 through nozzles 2283 of flush ring 2263, blade flush nozzles 2243,and port 1773. The interior of vessel 1703 and the surfaces of blades1823 are thereby flushed, completely removing any residue ofmicroingredient additives from the vessel through inlet 1793. The boostpump continues introducing a water flush into vessel 1703 until theflush time period expires at 3903, and the flush is terminated at 3913.Discharge pump 2443 continues pumping for a delay period following theend of the flush cycle, as shown at 3923; then discharge pump 2443 isturned off at 3933.

The program then determines if the weigh switch is still on at 3943 andif it is, the program returns to step 3443 to repeat the sequencedescribed in steps 3443-3933. If the weigh switch has been turned off,the apparatus 1013 is turned off at 3953 and an alarm is given at 3963to indicate that a mode change has been made.

The control means includes means for operating mixers 1803 and dischargepump 2443 at the same time as dispensing means 8013 such that a firstbatch of additive concentrate slurry can be mixed and delivered to areceiving station while a second batch of additive concentrates aredispensed and weighed prior to their deposit into the mixing vessel.

A schematic diagram of the electrical connections for apparatus 1013 isshown in FIG. 74.

It is important to the proper operation of a computer that it besupplied with electrical power of a constant and consistent quality.This is a serious drawback in rural areas where the electrical powerbeing supplied is often at the end of a long supply line into whichfluctuations are introduced by intervening power users. Most cattleyards and other users of apparatus 1013 are located in rural areas wherevariations in power would adversely affect operation of the computerswhich control weighing and sequencing of machine function. For thatreason, the system employs a series of transformers to selectivelyfilter the electrical energy, isolate the power source, and dampvariations in the power before it is supplied to the computers.

Four hundred eighty volts of power are supplied at 4003 by a ruralelectrical utility, and that power first passes through 10 kw isolationtransformer 4023 where it is transformed into 240 V power, illustratedby 4043 in FIG. 74. This initially filtered 240 V power is supplied toelectrical connection line 4053 through relay 4063 to booster pump 1933that introduces water into mixing tank 1703 during the filling andflushing cycles. The 240 V power is also supplied through relay 4073 topump 2443 that helps drain the mixing tank. This relatively unfilteredpower can be supplied to pumps 1933, 2443 since they are not assensitive to power variations as the computers.

The 240 V power is also sent to a sola-regulating transformer 4083 whereit is transformed to 120 V power, as illustrated at 4093. This filtered,120 V power is used to provide electrical energy to all components ofapparatus 1013 other than pumps 1953, 2443. If electrical energy isinterrupted, three 12 V batteries 4103 connected in series are providedas an uninterruptable power supply through triple power supply 4123.

Remote control unit 2013 has monitor screens 2613, 2913 and keyboards2413, 2713 for weighing and metering functions. Remote control unit 2013is electrically connected through line 4223 with a weigh microcomputer4243 (RCA 1800 Micro System Z80 Microprocessor) having a 120 V opticallyisolated input/output relay board 4263. Remote control unit 2013 is alsoconnected through line 4283 with machine sequencing microcomputer 4303(RCA 1800 Micro System Z80 Microprocessor) having an optically isolatedinput/output relay board 4323 (Opto PB 24Q). Computer interface 4343provides a data bus between weigh microcomputer 2413 and machinesequencing computer 4303.

Machine sequencing computer 4303 and weigh computer 4343 are suppliedwith 5 V power from triple power supply 4123 through line 4113. Both I/Oboards 4263, 4323 are supplied with 120 V power through line 4363 at4383.

Weigh computer 4243 contains an eight slot card cage with three 6623 RAMmemory cards that contain the programs for operation of the weighingfunctions and monitoring of microingredient additive inventory. Weighcomputer 4243 also contains a service box 6413 card to connect theservice box to the computer, a printer 6413 output card, a 6003 systemoperating program card, and a 6264 memory card.

The machine computer 4303 has a six slot card cage, including two 6623RAM memory cards, as well as a 6593, 6503, 6413 and 6003 CPU card. Whenapparatus 1013 is functioning in the metering mode, it uses only machinecomputer 4303. A complete set of ration data is stored on the machinecomputer's ROM memory separate from the ration data stored on the RAMmemory cards of weigh computer 4243.

I/O board 4263 is connected through line 4483 with a speed control 4443for controlling the speed of dispensing means 8013 in the weigh modeduring a weigh cycle. For additives dispensed in weigh mode, speedcontrol 4443 determines whether screw 9013 rotates at a fast speedduring the initial weighing period of a given concentrate, or at a slowspeed during the terminal phase of weighing as the weight of theconcentrate approaches its predetermined amount. Since it is necessaryto sense the weight of each concentrate that has been dispensed beforethe speed of dispensing means 8013 can be reduced and then stopped, loadcells 2643 are electronically connected through scale head 4183 to theweigh microcomputer 4243. Weight determinations of the weighing meanscan therefore be sensed and sent to speed control 4443. For additivesdispensed by volume during a weigh cycle, speed control 4443 determinesthat screw 9013 rotates at the preset third speed during thepredetermined time of volumetric dispensing controlled by micro computer4303.

I/O board 4323 is connected through line 4463 with speed control 4443for controlling the speed of dispensing means 8013. Speed control 4443determines that screw 9013 rotates at the preset metering speed on thethird speed of speed control 4443 for a predetermined amount of time ofvolumetric dispensing controlled by microcomputer 4303.

Input/Output board 4323 is connected through line 4403 with ingredientlevel controls 4423 in each of bins 6813-7413 and containers 7613, 7813.These level controls are conventional switches located within the binsand containers for sensing when the level of additive concentrate ineach bin has reached a predetermined low level. When the low level ofadditive concentrate is sensed by low level control 4213, a signal issent to the operator indicating that more concentrate should be added.

I/O board 4323 of machine sequencing microcomputer 4303 is connectedthrough line 4503 and relay 4523 with hopper rotation motor 1383 thatinverts hopper means 1223. Line 4563 connects I/O board 4323 throughrelay 4583 with vibrator 1413 on hopper means 1223. A switch 4623 isalso provided on hopper means 1223 for sensing whether the hopper is inan upright or inverted position, switch 4623 being connected to I/Oboard 4323 through line 4643. Finally, hopper means 1223 is providedwith hopper air flush solenoid valve 4663 in header 1503 for controllingthe introduction of air flush into compartments 1133-1163 of the hopperafter it reaches its inverted position. Solenoid valve 4663 is connectedto I/O board 4323 through line 4683.

Mixer motors 1883 on mixing vessel 1703 are connected through relay 4703and line 4723 with I/O board 4323. Level control 1923 of the mixingvessel is connected with I/O board 4323 through line 4743. Solenoidvalve 2123 in flush line 2023 is connected to I/O board 4323 throughline 4763, and solenoid 2063 in fill line 2043 is connected to I/O board4323 through line 4783. Booster pump 1953 for pumping water into vessel1703 is connected through relay 4063 and line 4803 with I/O board 4323,while pump 2443 for withdrawing slurry and flush water from vessel 1703is connected through relay 4073 and line 4823 with I/O board 4323. Lowwater control 4843 for the water supply is connected through line 4853with the I/O board. Motion and panel control sensors 4863, which detectany oscillatory movements of hopper means 1223 and determine if any ofthe panels 1213 have been removed from apparatus 1013, areinterconnected with I/O board 4323 through line 4903.

As earlier described in connection with FIG. 72, in the event of scalefailure at step 3173, apparatus 1013 switches to a meter mode at 3183and the weigh switch is turned off at 319. The off position of the weighswitch at 3193 is sensed as the meter switch being on at step 500 inFIG. 75. The numeral 1 is entered at keyboard 2413 at step 5023 to beginbatching in the metering mode, and a ration code name is entered at5043. The metering mode program of FIG. 75 searches at 5063 for a rationcorresponding to the code entered at 5043. If the corresponding rationis not found at 5063, the program returns at 5083 to step 5043 so thatanother ration name can be entered.

Once the entered code has been matched with a ration at 5063, theprogram prompts for entry of information concerning batch size, which isentered at 5093. The program next prompts for entry of informationconcerning the number of batches to be processed, which is entered at5103. The machine is then ready to batch at 5123 by volumetric meteringinstead of by weighing.

The program waits at step 5143 for a start signal 5163, which issupplied by a start switch 2993 on control panel 2813. It is thendetermined at 5183 if boost pump 1933 is on, and if it is not, an alarmis given at 5203 to indicate that the pump is off. Boost pump 1933 fillsmixing vessel 1703 during a predetermined amount of time at step 5223.If the water level in mixing vessel 1703, as detected by water levelsensor 1923, does not reach a predetermined level within a set period oftime, an alarm sounds at 5243 to indicate a filling error.

Once level sensor 1923 determines that the water level in mixing vessel1703 has reached a predetermined level, mixing motors 1883 are activatedat 5263 to rotate mixing blades 1823 at a slow speed. An alarm sounds atstep 5283 if the mixers are not on. While mixer blades 1823 induce aturbulent flow of water in mixing vessel 170, motor 1023 for screw 9013below bin 6813 is activated at 5303. The metering speed of motor 1023 isa third speed, intermediate the fast and slow speeds used in dispensingadditive concentrates by weight. Screw 9013 turns for a predeterminedperiod of time sufficient to dispense a required volume of additiveconcentrate. The screw of each dispensing means 8013 below the bincontaining desired additive concentrates turn simultaneously. Dispensingmeans 1203 for liquid additive concentrates in containers 7613, 7813also operate simultaneously with dispensing means 8013 to volumetricallydeliver predetermined amounts of liquid concentrate to compartments1173, 1183.

When metering is complete at 5323, a signal is sent to motor 1383 atstep 5343 to invert hopper means 1223 and dump its contents into theflowing water of vessel 1703. A switch determines at 5363 whether thehopper is inverted, and if it is not, an alarm is given at 5383 toindicate a dump failure. Hopper vibrators are then actuated at 5403while hopper means 1223 is inverted to remove, by vibration, additiveconcentrate particles that remain stuck to the walls or bottom ofcontainers 1133-1163. The air flush (FIG. 71) is actuated at 5423, andthe program sends a signal at 5443 to send the hopper to its home,upright position by actuating motor 1383 to continue rotation of shaft1363. If hopper means 1223 does not reach its home, upright positionwithin a predetermined period of time set by 5463, an alarm sounds at5483 to indicate that a malfunction has occurred and the hopper is stillinverted.

When hopper means 1223 leaves its inverted position, mixing motors 1883are switched to their second, higher speed at 5483. High speed mixingcontinues for a predetermined amount of time and then returns to lowspeed at step 5503 until a discharge signal 5543 is received at 5523from a discharge switch 3833 on panel 2813 to turn on discharge pump2443. It is determined at 5563 whether discharge pump 2443 is on, and ifit is not, an alarm is given at 5583 to indicate a pump malfunction.

A predetermined, mix delay time period is initiated at 5583 during whichperiod motors 1883 continue to move mixing blades 1823 at low speed. Ifthe bottom of level probe 1923 is not cleared at 5603 within thepredetermined period of time set in step 5583, an alarm is given at 5623to indicate pumping problems. Once probe 1923 has been cleared, apredetermined flush cycle time is initiated at 5643, and boost pump 1933is actuated at 5663 to move water through flush line 2143 while solenoid2123 is open and solenoid 2063 is closed. Boost pump 1933 continuesintroducing water through line 2143 and into flush ring 2263, bladecleaning nozzles 2243, and port 1773 until a flush period has expired at5683 and pump 1933 is turned off at 5703. Discharge pump 2443 continuesoperating for a period of time set by 5723 until all of the flush waterresidue has been removed through drain 1783 and sent to receivingstation 2483. Discharge pump 2443 is then turned off at 5743 when thedelay period set at step 5723 expires.

The metering mode program then determines whether another batch isneeded at 5763, the need for another batch having been determined by thenumber of batches entered at 3103. If another batch is not needed, theprogram returns to step 5023 which prompts the operator to enter thecode for another batch. If, on the other hand, another batch is requiredat 5763, the program checks at 5783 to determine if the meter switch isstill on. If the metering switch is on (and conversely the weigh switchis off), the program returns to step 5123 where it repeats steps5123-5763. If it is determined at 5783 that the meter switch is off,apparatus 1013 is turned off at 5803 and an alarm is given at 5823indicating a mode change.

FIG. 76 shows a second embodiment of apparatus 1013 in which hoppermeans 1223 has been eliminated. In this embodiment, the weight of eachmicroingredient concentrate dispensed is determined on a “loss ofweight” basis. Each of dry concentrate bins 6003, 6023, 6043, 6063 isprovided with a load cell 6083 for determining the weight of eachcontainer. The program in this embodiment activates a dispensing means6103 (similar to dispensing means 8013 in apparatus 1013) to selectivelysequentially or simultaneously deliver dry microingredients separatelyfrom bins 6003-6063 into mixing vessel 6123 having mixers 6143, 6163.Tank 6123 is filled and flushed through water supply line 6183 andemptied through discharge line 6203 after concentrates have been mixedwith water in mixing vessel 6123.

Liquid microingredient concentrates may also be dispensed on a “loss ofweight” basis by mounting containers of liquid microingredient on loadcells.

The control means for the FIG. 76 embodiment includes a means forcontrolling the dispensing rate of each dispensing means 6103 inresponse to loss of weight sensings of load cell 6083 for each bin6003-6063. Such a control means is similar to speed control 4443 fordispensing means 8013 in FIG. 74.

In a variation of the embodiment of FIG. 76, the control means includesa means for operating dispensing means 5103 for several cycles in thevolumetric metering mode wherein additives are dispensed using a weightper unit time formula instead of load cell 6083. The actual weight ofeach additive concentrate dispensed will be determined by the loss ofweight measured by each load cell 6083. The actual weight of concentratelost will be compared by the computer to the theoretical amountdispensed. The discrepancy between the actual and theoretical amountswill then be corrected by adjusting the formula to dispense moreaccurately the desired amount of additive concentrate. Since theremaining concentrate in each bin has substantially the same density asthat already dispensed, the remaining additive can be dispensedaccurately by volume.

Correction of the weight per unit time formula used for volumetricdispensing in the metering mode can be used in connection with anyembodiment employing a weighing means. For example, volumetric meteringinto hopper means 1223 of FIG. 62 can be adjusted by comparing actualweights of additive concentrate dispensed into compartments 1133-1163with the desired amounts determined on a weight per unit time formula.The computer can then correct the formula to account for the density andother properties of the particular batch of additive concentrate beingdispensed.

Alternatively, dispensing means 8013 can be operated in a weigh modefrom the beginning through a major portion of a dispensing cycle for aparticular additive concentrate. The load cell 2643 monitors the weightof concentrate dispensed at a given speed of screw 9013. Thisinformation is used by the control means to prepare a weight per unittime formula for volumetric dispensing of the particular additive beingdispensed. The dispensing means 8013 is then operated in a volumetricmetering mode independently of the weighing means for the final portionof the dispensing cycle.

Yet another embodiment of the system is shown in FIG. 77 which takesadvantage of the fact that the density of liquid microingredientconcentrates does not vary as greatly as solid microingredients. Forthis reason, it is possible to accurately meter liquid microingredientsby volume while measuring the solid microingredients by weight. In theembodiment of FIG. 77, four dry microingredient containing supply means7013, 7023, 7043, 7083 are shown to each be connected to a dispensingmeans 7103 similar to the dispensing means 8013 of apparatus 1013. Eachof dispensing means 7103 conveys dry additive concentrate to a hoppermeans 7123 similar to hopper means 1223 in FIG. 65, the hopper means7123 being suspended from a pair of weigh cells. Each additiveconcentrate is dispensed sequentially into hopper means 7123 fromcontainers 7013, 7023, 7043, 7083 using dispensing means 7103 until apredetermined weight of each concentrate has been sensed by a load cellfrom which hopper means 7123 is suspended. Hopper means 7123 is theninverted to separately and simultaneously empty the dry microingredientcontents of hopper means 7123 into flowing water in mixing vessel 7143which is being agitated by mixers 7163, 7183.

In the FIG. 77 embodiment, liquid microingredients are separately storedin containers 7203, 7223 which are provided with tubes 7243 that emptyinto vessel 7143. Rotary of piston pumps 7283 are interposed in eachtube 7243 to pump microingredients from containers 7203, 7223 directlyinto mixing vessel 7143, thereby bypassing entirely hopper means 7123.

The control means for the FIG. 77 embodiment may, in some embodiments,include means for selectively operating some dispensing meanssimultaneously and others sequentially. Pumps 7283 for the liquidadditive concentrates in containers 7203, 7223 may, for example, beoperated simultaneously with each other and with dispensing means 7103.Dispensing means 7103 for dry additives should, however, be operatedsequentially in this embodiment since the overall weight of hopper means7123 is sensed by the load cells from which the hopper is suspended. Ifthe dry additives were dispensed simultaneously into hopper means 7123,it would not be possible to weigh accurately the amount of each additivedispensed. It is through cumulative weight determinations ofsequentially dispensed additives that accurate weight determinations aremade in the compartmented hopper. A first additive concentrate isdelivered into a compartment of the hopper until its load cells registera first predetermined weight, and delivery of the first additiveconcentrate is stopped. Delivery of a second additive concentrate isthen started and continued until the load cells register a secondpredetermined weight, and so on until predetermined weights of allselected additives have been delivered into the hopper.

In yet other embodiments which are not shown in the drawings, thecontrol means is programmed to operate the dispensing means in aninterrupted, on-off-on-off sequence to dispense selectedmicroingredients into a weighing means such as hopper 1223. Weightdeterminations sensed by load cells 2643 would only be accepted when thedispensing means is switched off during the interrupted sequence. Inthis manner, weighing inaccuracies caused by movement of the dispensingmeans or settling of additives would not affect weight determinations.

In another disclosed embodiment, the isolating means includesprogramming the control means to prevent operation of any other movingcomponents of apparatus 1013 while weight determinations are being madeby the weighing means. The operation of dispensing means 8013 and mixerblades 1823 would, for example, be prevented by the control means whileweight determinations were being made by load cell 2643.

FIG. 78 shows an apparatus indicated generally at 8003, which issomewhat similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 61-75 but having twoseparate weigh hoppers 8023, 8033 for weighing the multiple additiveconcentrates dispensed from additive concentrate storage means 8053,8063 by dispenser means 8083. The weigh means of the apparatus 8003includes separate weigh means for each weigh hopper 8023, 8033, therebygiving the apparatus the capability of weighing multiple additivessimultaneously in different weigh hoppers. This capability gives theapparatus 8003 an advantage over the apparatus of FIG. 61 in being ableto dispense, weigh and discharge all of the multiple microingredients ofa given formulation into the mixing vessel 8103 and thereby complete thebatching of a formulation, more quickly than the apparatus of FIG. 61.

The apparatus 8003 also includes a support frame means 8123 which mayinclude either separate support and weigh frames as in the apparatus ofFIG. 61 or a common support frame for all of the major mechanicalcomponents of the apparatus as depicted schematically in FIG. 78.Support frame 8123 rigidly supports the multiple microingredientconcentrate storage containers 8053, 8063 and their associateddispensers or metering devices 8083, 8093. The support frame means 8123also rigidly supports the mixing vessel 8103 which is shown as a mixingvessel common to both weigh hopper 8023 and weigh hopper 8033.

Other major components of the system of FIG. 78 include control andother components which would normally be mounted apart from supportframe means 8123, including a pair of scale heads 8143, 8153, one foreach weigh hopper, a weigh computer or central processing unit 8173 withits associated input/output board 8183, and a remote control unit orterminal 8203 for controlling the operation of the computer 8173. Aseparate machine computer or central processing unit 8223 has anassociated input/out board 8233. An interface 8243 enables communicationbetween the machine computer 8223 and the weigh computer 8173. Scaleheads 8143, 8153 transmit weight determination data through line 8263 tothe input/output board of the weigh computer 8173. There is also aprinter 8283 connected to the input/output board of weigh computer 8173through line 8303 for printing desired output data from the weighcomputer 8173.

In the apparatus 8003 there are four microingredient additiveconcentrate storage containers 8053 associated with weigh hopper 8023and another four such storage containers 8063 associated with the otherweigh hopper 8033, thereby giving each weigh hopper the capability ofweighing and discharging four different additives into the mixing vessel8103. The dispensers 8083 associated with the different additive storagecontainers 8053 are capable of operating independently of one anotherupon an appropriate command signal from a weigh computer 8173transmitted from the input/output board 8183 through line 8323.Similarly, each of the dispensers 8093 for the four other storagecontainers 8063 are capable of operating independently of one another todispense additives into the weigh hopper 8033 upon a suitable commandsignal from weigh hopper 8173 transmitted from input/output board 8183through line 8343.

Weigh hopper 8023 is mounted at its opposite ends on a pair of loadcells 8363, 8373 connected by suspension members 8383, 8393 and a pairof resilient isolator members 8403, 8413 to support frame 8123.

Weigh hopper 8033 is mounted in a similar manner by load cells 8423,8433 to support frame 8123. Thus, each weigh hopper is independentlymounted by separate weigh means to the frame 8123 for independentweighing of ingredients. The two load cells 8363, 8373 for weigh hopper8023 are operatively connected by a line 8453 to scale head 8153. Weighhopper 8033 is separately connected by a line 8463 to a separate scalehead 8143. Both of the scale heads in turn are connected to theinput/output board 8183 of weigh computer 8173 through line 8263. Thuseach weigh hopper and its contents can be weighed separately and itscontents cumulatively through its associated scale head simultaneouslywith the other weigh hopper. That is, both weigh hoppers can carry outtheir weighing functions at the same time and independently of oneanother.

Each weigh hopper 8023, 8033 is preferably similar in construction tothe weigh hopper disclosed in FIGS. 62, 63, 65, 66 and 67. That is, eachweigh hopper is mounted in a manner shown in such prior figures forrotation from its normal additive receiving upright position to aninverted discharge position by discharge means including an electricmotor 8483 in the case of weigh hopper 8023 and electric motor 8493 inthe case of weigh hopper 8033. Each is connected independently to theinput/output board 8233 of the machine computer 8223 through suitableelectrical conductors 8503 and 8513, respectively.

Each weigh hopper, 8023, 8033 also is provided with a motion sensor8533, 8543, respectively, connected to the input output board 8183 ofweigh computer 8173 through line 8563 for detecting any motion in eitherweigh hopper during the weighing process. The software for the weighcomputer 8173 prevents a final weight determination from being made fora given weigh hopper whenever the motion sensor for that hopper sensesmotion that might give a false or highly inaccurate reading.

The support frame means 8123 for the weighing and delivery components ofthe apparatus is preferably enclosed by housing panels (not shown) in amanner similar to that shown in FIG. 61 to shield and isolate theweighing components of the apparatus from external ambient forces thatcould cause undesirable motion and thus inaccurate weight readings. Suchforces typically might include the effects of wind or jarring of thecomponents by direct contact of personnel. The support frame means 8123is provided with a sensor 8583 which is also connected by line 8563 tothe input/output board of weigh computer 8173. Sensor 8583 is operableto prevent a weight determination from being made whenever a panel isremoved from the support frame 8123. Thus the motion sensors 8533, 8543for the weigh hoppers and the panel sensor 8583 for support frame 8123provide additional means for isolating the weighing components of theapparatus from influences that could affect weight determinations andthe accuracies of such determinations.

A further means of enhancing the accuracy of the weight determinationsof the apparatus disclosed in FIG. 78 is the mounting of the dischargemotors 8483 and 8493 in conjunction with their respective weigh hoppers8023, 8033 so that such motors become part of the tare weight of thehoppers in making additive weight determinations. Because verylightweight, flexible electrical conductors can connect such electricmotors to the operable control components of the apparatus, suchconductors will have no appreciable effect on the weight determinationsof the weigh means. This should be contrasted with the hydraulicallyactuated discharge means in conjunction with the weigh hoppers of priorapparatus. With a prior hydraulically actuated discharge means,relatively stiff hydraulic conduit must connect the hydraulic motorassociated with the hopper to the source of hydraulic fluid remote fromthe hopper. Typically such hydraulic conduit affects weightdeterminations of the hopper in such instances because it inherentlyprovides some structural support for the hopper, thereby influencingload cell weight sensings as ingredients are added to the hopper becausethe conduit is partially supporting some of the load of the addedweight.

The apparatus in FIG. 78 also includes positive mixing means within themixing vessel 8103 in the form of a pair of mixing blades 8603, 8613,each driven by an electric motor 8623, 8633. The mixer motors areconnected by electrical conductor means 8643 to the input/output board8233 of the machine computer 8223. A slurry discharge line 8663 leadsfrom a bottom opening of mixing vessel 8103 to the input side of adischarge pump 8683. The discharge line continues at 8703 from thedischarge side of discharge pump 8683 to a conventional feed mixer suchas typically the truck-mounted feed mixer 8723. A booster pump 8743pumps a liquid carrier such as water from a source (not shown) through afill line 8763 into the mixing vessel. A solenoid operated valve 8783 infill line 8763 controls the admission of the water carrier into themixing vessel and is operated by the machine computer 8223 through asuitable conductor 8783 connected to the input/output board 8233 of suchcomputer.

A flush line 8803 branches from fill line 8763 downstream of boosterpump 8743 and upstream of fill valve 8743. Another solenoid actuatedvalve 8823 in the flush line connected to the input/output board 8233 ofmachine computer 8223 through conductor 8843, controls the admission offlush fluid into the mixing vessel.

The hardware components of the control system including the weighcomputer 8173, machine computer 8233 and their associated input/outputboards, the printer 8283, and the remote control unit 8203, may besimilar to those same units described with respect to the embodiment ofFIG. 61. Similarly, the software controlling the operation of suchcomputers can be varied to vary the operating sequence of the machine ofFIG. 78.

A typical operating sequence of the machine of the apparatus of FIG. 78is as follows:

A driver drives a feedtruck into a feed-receiving station in a cattlefeedlot. The driver departs his vehicle, approaches the remote controlunit 8203 and selects the formulation of feed additive concentrates tobe batched and delivered into his truck, depending on the specific lotof animals to be fed within the feedlot. The formulation is selectedtypically by the operator depressing a key corresponding to theformulation selected on the computer terminal of the remote controlunit.

Assuming that predetermined weights of two additives A1, A2 in storagecontainers 8053 and two additives A5, A6 from storage containers 8063are to be included in the formulation, the dispenser 8083 for containerA1 begins to dispense the additive A1 into weigh hopper 8023. At thesame time, the dispenser 8093 for container A5 begins to dispenseadditive A5 into weigh hopper 8033. The dispensing of additive A1 intoweigh hopper 8023 continues until a predetermined weight of suchadditive has been added to such hopper as determined by the load cells8363, 8373 and the associated scale head 8153, at which point the weighcomputer 8173 stops the dispensing of additive A1 from its storagecontainer by stopping its associated dispensing means 8083. At the sametime, a weight determination of the additive A5 added to weigh hopper8033 is determined in the same manner, but independently of the weightdetermination occurring in hopper 8023.

When the predetermined weight of additive A1 has been added to weighhopper 8023, depending on programming, two alternative functions canoccur. Either the weigh hopper 8023 can be inverted by motor 8483 todischarge the additive A1 into the mixing vessel 8103 and then returnedto its upright position to receive the next additive A2, or the weighhopper can remain in its upright position while the dispenser 8083 foradditive A2 operates to add, cumulatively, the predetermined weight ofadditive A2 to weigh hopper 8023. If the latter sequence is used, weighhopper 8023 is inverted by its discharge motor 8483 to discharge thepredetermined weights of additive A1 and additive A2 together into themixing vessel 8103. The same options are available with respect to theaddition of additives A5 and A6 to weigh hopper 8033 and the dischargeof the contents of the weigh hopper 8033 into the mixing vessel 8103. Itis important to note that both weigh hoppers 8023 and 8033 can operateentirely independently to weigh and discharge their preselectedadditives into the mixing vessel 8103, although the machine and weighcomputers could also be programmed to cause both weigh hoppers 8023,8033 to wait until all of the selected additives have been added andweighed within each weigh hopper and then both weigh hoppers invertedsimultaneously by their respective motors to discharge all of theweighed additives at once into the mixing vessel. That is, each additivecan be added, weighed and discharged either separately or cumulativelywith other additives, depending on the programming selected for thecontrol system.

Regardless of which of the above described dispensing, weighing anddischarge options are selected, preferably booster pump 8743 pumps thecarrier water through open valve 8743 and fill line 8763 to fill themixing vessel 8103 to a predetermined level before any additive isdischarged into the mixing vessel. This will prevent different andpossibly incompatible additives from intermixing in concentrated formand also prevent additives from sticking to the inside walls of thevessel, making it difficult to remove such additives even after carrierwater or flush water is added to the vessel.

Also preferably before the discharge of any additives into the mixingvessel in making up a batch, mixing blades 8603, 8613 rotate to create aturbulent flow within the mixing vessel so that additives entering theliquid carrier are quickly intermixed with and dispersed throughout thecarrier, thereby diluting the concentrates.

When the predetermined weights of the selected additives A1, A2, A5 andA6 all have been weighed in their respective weigh hoppers 8023, 8033and discharged into the water carrier within mixing vessel 8103, mixingblades 8603, 8613 continue to rotate for a time to ensure a uniformdispersal of all additives throughout the carrier liquid slurry thusformed. Of course at this time, booster pump 8743 shuts off and fillline valve 8743 closes, as does flush line valve 8823.

When mixing is complete within mixing vessel 8103, discharge pump P2operates to pump the slurry formulation from the mixing vessel throughdischarge line 8663 and to the waiting feed mixer truck 8723 throughdischarge line 8703. When the level of slurry within the mixing vesseldrops below a predetermined level as determined by level sensors (notshown) within the vessel, booster pump 8743 restarts and flush linevalve 8823 opens to pump flush water into the mixing vessel through itstop and along its side walls to flush all slurry residue from thevessel. Flushing continues as the discharge of slurry proceeds throughthe discharge lines 8663, 8703. Discharge pump 8683 continues to operateduring the complete flush period, pumping the flush liquid with theslurry into the feed mixer truck 8723. After a predetermined length oftime sufficient to enable the complete flushing of the mixing vessel anddischarge lines, and the pumping of all slurry into the feed mixer 8723,booster pump 8743 stops and flush valve 8823 closes. Pump 8683 continuesto operate until all of the slurry and most of the flush liquid ispumped into the feed mixer 8723. Thereafter the truck operator returnsto his truck and drives away as the mixing of the feed and slurrycontinues. Typically, the driver drives to the feed bunks of selectedpens or lots of animals and delivers the additive-bearing feed into thebunks immediately upon departure from the additive receiving station.Thereafter, typically, another feed mixer truck arrives at the additivereceiving station represented by the position of truck 8723 and thatoperator goes through the same procedure as just described, selectingthe same or a different formulation depending on the requirements of theanimals within the lot or pens that are to be fed with the feed rationfrom such truck.

During the additive formulating process as just described, the systemwill not allow a weight determination of a given additive to be made solong as a panel is removed from the support frame 8123 as detected bysensor 8583. Nor will a weight determination be made if either one ofthe motion sensors 8533, 8543 associated with each weigh hopper detectsmovement of a weigh hopper that could affect the weight determination tobe made in such weigh hopper.

Typically, scale heads 8143, 8153 receive weight sensings from theirrespective load cells 6 to 8 times per second. The scale heads thenaverage such readings for that given unit of time and send the averagereading via line 8263 to the input/output board 8183 of the weighcomputer 8173. Computer 8173 then records the averaged weight per unitof time as the weight upon which the computer acts to control theoperation of the additive dispensing means and discharge means. Becauseof the large number of readings being averaged before the average istransmitted to the weigh computer, any single erroneous readingtransmitted to a scale head by the load cells will have an insignificanteffect on the accuracy of the averaged reading transmitted from thescale head to the weigh computer for processing. This slow updating ofthe weigh computer (about once per second or less) with an average of alarge number of weight sensings received by the scale head is furtherinsurance against inaccurate weight readings and enhances the accuracyof the entire system. If the computer updating were faster (such astwice per second or more), an erroneous reading would have a greatereffect on the accuracy of weights recorded and processed by thecomputer.

FIG. 79 is a flowchart of a computer program applicable to the computersof FIG. 74 and representing a modification of the program of FIG. 75 foroperating the apparatus of, for example, FIG. 76 on a weight-compensatedmetering basis.

The flowchart of FIG. 79 incorporates steps 5003-5303 of the FIG. 75program in box 900 and also the completion-of-metering step 5323 of thesame program. When all microingredients have been metered into themixing vessel 6123, the program continues to sequence through steps5493-5823 of the metering program of FIG. 75, skipping steps 5343-5483because the apparatus of FIG. 76, unlike the apparatus of FIGS. 74 and78, does not use a weigh hopper.

As the program continues to sequence through mixing and discharge steps5493-5823 as indicated at box 9023 in FIG. 79, the program also, atleast after so many metering cycles, or if desired after every meteringcycle, reads the weight of each microingredient storage container 6003,6023, 6043, 6063 as indicated at 9043. Thereafter, as indicated at box9063, the program commands the computer to calculate the actual loss ofweight of the ingredient storage containers to determine the actualweight of each microingredient metered, by subtracting the weight ofeach storage container sensed after metering at 9043 from the initialweight of each storage container prior to such metering steps.

The program also commands the computer to calculate the theoreticalweight loss of each storage container, which is also the theoreticalweight of each ingredient used, by multiplying the metering rate of eachmetering device 6103 in, for example, grams per minute, by the length oftime each metering device 6103 has operated, as indicated at box 9083.The program then commands the computer to compare the actual weight ofingredient used as calculated at 9063 with the theoretical or targetweight of ingredient used as calculated at 9083, as indicated at box9103. From this comparison the program commands the computer to adjusteither the time that each metering device 6103 operates, or the rate ofspeed at which each such device operates, or both, during a meteringcycle so that the actual weight of ingredient used as determined byweighing equals the desired or theoretical weight of ingredient used asdetermined by metering. This adjustment command occurs at box 9123 inthe computer program. When the metering speed or time adjustment ismade, the program returns to the start of the metering cycle asindicated at box 9003.

The program also includes a fill mode or routine which is used whenevera microingredient storage bin 6003, 6023, 6043, 6063 is refilled. Insuch mode, the program commands a reading of the initial weight of thestorage container being refilled at box 9143. The additionalmicroingredient is then added to the storage container as indicated inbox 9163. The program then commands a reading of the filled weight ofthe storage container at box 9183 and enters such weight in computermemory. At this point the fill subroutine has been completed and theapparatus is conditioned to start another metering cycle.

The foregoing described program operates the apparatus of FIG. 76primarily as a metering apparatus. However, the metering devices 6103are adjusted after completion of a predetermined number of meteringcycles based on actual loss-of-weight determinations of each storage binas registered by the weighing means 6083 for each storage container.Thus the apparatus of FIG. 76 when operated in accordance with theprogram of FIG. 79 is actually a hybrid weigh-metering system in whichthe metering components are periodically readjusted so that thetheoretical or target weights of ingredients metered will closelyapproximate the actual weights of ingredients dispensed.

The described weight-compensated metering system can also be used in acontinuous mill application in contrast to the batch mill applicationdescribed with respect to FIG. 76. In a continuous mill system, themetering devices meter the additive concentrates continuously atpredetermined rates from their storage bins into a liquid carrier, whichin turn flows into a feed ration at a predetermined rate. In such asystem, weight losses of the storage bins can be determined periodicallyand then used to calculate the necessary adjustments of metering ratesof the metering devices to bring the actual weights of additivesdispensed per unit of time by metering into line with the theoreticalweights desired. This can be done without interruption of metering,simply by adjusting the speed controls or the metering devices.

Feed Delivery 2

This subsection describes additional process steps and system componentsfor delivering feed to animals. These process steps and systemcomponents can be used in conjunction with evaluation of an animal'srespiratory or circulatory condition, as discussed above. Informationgather by imaging and evaluating an animal's respiratory or circulatorysystem, such as respiratory damage designations, can be used as thebasis for management decisions regarding feed delivery. For example, ananimal with damaged lungs may be administered an inexpensive maintenancediet, whereas an animal with healthy lungs is administered a moreexpensive weight gain diet.

Referring now to FIG. 80 of the drawings, there is shown several cattlepens 1214 in a feedlot, each having an associated feed bunk. A feed bunkholds a ration, i.e., a type of feed, in a selected quantity for thecattle contained within the pen. The arrow 1814 represents a route thata truck 2014 may take for the driver to view the condition of each feedbunk from the truck cab. That route, as will be described, depends onwhich cattle pens contain cattle and are thus currently receiving feed.

Each pen and associated feed bunk have means of identification such asan alphanumeric symbol (i.e., a101, d104, 112, etc.) mounted near thetruck route that can be read by the person viewing the bunks.Alternatively, the identification may be through automated means such asan RF signal transmitted locally by a transmitter 2214 or a bar code2414 affixed to the cattle pen. Such means provide an accurateidentification of the pen without the driver having to attempt a writtenentry onto a feed card.

To “read” the bunks, i.e., identify the bunks and assignment dataregarding feed rations, the driver carries in the cab a portablecomputer 2614 such as a PDT111 manufactured by the MSI Data Corporation.The computer 2614 includes a data entry means such as a keyboard 2814for entering feed assignment data and a display screen 3014 foroptimally viewing yard sheet data while making a feed assignment. If thecattle pens include automated identification means such as thetransmitter 2214 or bar code 2414, a corresponding data entry means suchas a machine capable of reading the identification signal is coupled tothe computer 2614. For reading the bar codes 2414, a bar code scanner3214, such as the SYMBOLTEC LS8100 available from the MSI Corporation,is connected to the computer 2614 via a conventional laser interfacemodule 3414. For reading the RF signals generated by transmitters 2214,a conventional RF receiver 3614 may be connected to the computer 2614via a conventional demodulator/decoder module 3814. Whichever of thescanner 3214 or receiver 3614 is utilized, the machine is coupled to oneof the computer's serial I/O port 4014. Alternative means of automaticcattle pen identification may include Loran-type radio frequencytriangulation, sound waves, etc.

The portable computer 2614 is adapted to receive the feed consumptiondata before a reading of the feed bunks so that the driver may reviewthat data while entering assignment data. The portable computer 2614 isalso adapted to communicate with a host computer 4214 for transferringthe assignment data to it after all the feed bunks have been read. Themovement of data between computers is illustrated in FIG. 81. Theassignment data is utilized by the host computer to update its feedconsumption data for each of the corresponding cattle pens. The feedconsumption data includes consumption history for each pen, weatherhistory (which affects feeding), physical condition of the feed bunk,which bunks should presently be read, and other data relevant tofeeding. The assignment data may include a change in the ration quantityto be assigned and the present physical condition of the bunk, i.e.,whether the bunk is completely empty, needs to be cleaned, whether thefeed needs to be mixed with hay, or the time of feeding to be changed,etc.

The host computer 4214 is normally located remote from the cattle pensbecause this computer is required for a number of additional feedlotoperational and management tasks that require central access. It shouldbe noted, however, that the portable computer 2614 could be replaced bya “dumb” terminal and linked to the host computer continuously by radiosignal instead of a physical connection. It should also be understoodthat the use of a host computer is not required. The feed consumptiondata could be stored and updated solely in the portable computer 2614.This approach is usually not done because the feed consumption data isutilized for other purposes, such as management and invoicing, and mustbe made available for those purposes in a computer 4214 locatedcentrally in the feedlot.

The host computer 4214 is programmed to utilize the newly enteredassignment data for a number of tasks. One task is to determine the bestor most efficient route for the truck 2014 to read the selected feedbunks in the feedlot. As different cattle pens are emptied and filledwith cattle, this data is entered in the host computer 4214 to updatethe feed consumption data. The computer 4214 calculates therefrom thebest route through the cattle lot to read the currently used bunks. Theroute is transferred to the portable computer as part of the feedconsumption data at the beginning of a bunk reading. At each pen duringthe route, pen numbers may be displayed on screen 3014 after theprevious bunk is read. The entered assignment data is also used toorganize feed rations to be delivered to each feed bunk. This data isdefined as feed delivery data and may be printed out for a feed truckoperator by means of a printer 4614 coupled to the computer 4214 asshown in FIG. 81 and as will be described.

FIGS. 82A and 82B are a flowchart illustrating the computerizedoperation of the bunk reader system. For clarity, each step of theflowchart described herein is followed by a numeral in parenthesiscorresponding to the flowchart steps in the figure. Prior to beginning areading of the bunks, the feed consumption data is downloaded from thehost computer 4214 into the portable computer 2614 and the computer 2614placed in the truck cab.

With the driver approaching a feed bunk, the program within the computer2614 is called (5014). The driver is first prompted to enter a number todetermine the identification means for the cattle pen (5214). If heenters the number 1 in response, for example, the computer 2614 displaysan expected pen number from the bunk reader route list generated by thehost computer 4214 and contained within the feed consumption datatransferred to the computer 2614 (5414). If the number 2 is entered, anautomated identification means such as described is employed by thedriver (5614). The driver may also enter the pen number manually ifdesired. The pen number is then displayed for the driver to confirm itscorrectness (5814). He confirms by entering a carriage return on thekeyboard 2814 or reenters the number if it is incorrect (6014).

With the correct pen number confirmed, the driver is prompted to enter afeed code corresponding to a change in the ration quantity assigned tothe pen's feed bunk (6214). The code is simple: +1 is entered toincrease the ration quantity; 0 is entered for no change in the rationquantity; and −1 is entered to decrease the ration quantity. Theseentries are later translated by the host computer 4214 into a percentagechange in the base amount of the ration quantity, e.g., 5%. Note thatthe driver need not identify the ration type explicitly. Thisidentification is made by the host computer from the entered pen number.

At this point, the driver has the option of entering a flag code (6414).Flag codes correspond to the physical condition of the bunk, feedingpriority, feeding mix changes, or other actions to be taken while orbefore more feed is delivered (6614). For example, if the driver noticesa feed bunk is wiped clean or “slick,” he enters a number codeindicating that condition. If the bunk should be cleaned, another codenumber is entered. If hay should be mixed in with the next rationquantity, still another code number is entered, etc.

Once the feed code and flag codes, if desired, have been entered, thecomputer 2614 prompts the driver on whether to display the historicalfeed consumption data for the pen (6814). The driver typically evaluatesthis data only if the feeding of the cattle in the pen appears to beunusual. For example, a bunk that is slick several days in a row mayindicate the base amount of feed is too small. Conversely, too much feedleft over from a prior feeding may indicate the base amount isexcessive. The consumption data indicates the actual ration quantitiesdispensed previously, as well as weather history that may affect priorfeeding (7014). The driver then has the option of changing the baseamount of the next ration quantity (7214) by entering a command. He mayincrease it (7414), decrease it (7614), or leave it unchanged. If thebase amount of the ration quantity is to remain the unchanged, thedriver simply enters a return on keyboard 2814.

The computer 2614 then checks to determine if the route is finished(7814). If not, the driver is prompted to proceed to the next pen andthe bunk reading continues. Once all feed bunks have been read, thedriver is prompted to confirm that the bunk reading route is finished(7914).

The assignment data entered during the feed bunk reading is transferredto the host computer 4214 for generating feed delivery data. This data,organized by ration type, is used for loading feed trucks and fororganizing feed truck routes though the feed lot. An example of thedelivery data produced by the host computer 4214 for the feed trucks isshown in Table I below.

TABLE I FEED LOADOUT REPORT Pen Pounds to Feed ^(•)a101 500 b102 1000c103 2000 d104 1500 e105 1300 ^(•)F106 2000 g107 3000 h108 4000 i1093000 j110 1500 ^(•)k111 3000 112 3500 m113 3500 MAXIMUM LOAD SIZE = 6000lbs. LOAD NO. 1 ^(•)a101 500 ^(•)F106 2000 ^(•)k111 3000 Total 5500 LOADNO. 2 b102 1000 c103 2000 d104 1500 e105 1300 Total 5800 ^(•) denotesfirst priority to feed

Normally, each feed truck carries one type of feed ration and is filledwith selected ration quantities to its maximum load. For example, inTable I above, the ration quantities for pen number a101, F106, and k111have been combined in a single load of 5500 lbs., that is near themaximum load of 6000 lbs. for a feed truck. These quantities weredetermined from the amount of ration quantity for each pen plus whateverchanges have been made to the base amount from prior readings of thefeed bunks. Note also that the flag code for feeding priority wasentered during the last bunk readings. The priority loads are thuscombined by the computer 42 into the first load to be delivered to thecattle pens.

Referring now to FIG. 83, there is shown a drawing of a computerizedfeed delivery system. A feed truck 8014 includes a weighing scale 8214for weighing the total load in the truck hopper and for weighingindividually the ration quantities to be dispensed into each feed bunk.The scale is conventional and is adapted to provide an output signalindicating the weight of the load. Accompanying the truck operator isanother portable computer 2614 the same as or similar to the type usedfor bunk reading. It includes a keyboard 2814, display screen 3014, andone or more I/O ports 4014. The computer 2614 is adapted to connect tothe scale 8214 through an I/O port 4014. As in the bunk reader system,the computer 2614 may be associated with other data entry means such asan RF receiver 3614 or bar code scanner 3214. The feed bunks, of course,may include corresponding automated identification means such as RFtransmitters 2214 or bar code 2414. FIG. 83 further shows a feed mill8414 from which feed is obtained for delivery to the feed bunks. Themill 8414 has a number of ration bins 8614 each holding a different typeof ration and having means of identification such as an alphanumericsymbol, radio signal from a transmitter 2214, or a bar code 2414 affixedto the bin.

The type of feed ration and base amount of ration quantity for eachcattle pen when initially filled with cattle is entered into hostcomputer 42 by a feedlot supervisor. The ration quantities may bemodified by the assignment data from the bunk readings. However, if thetype of ration for the pen is changed or if drugs are added to the basicration, this information is entered directly into the host computer.Certain drugs cannot be taken by cattle immediately before they areshipped from the feedlot for slaughter. One of the functions of the feeddelivery system is to make certain that cattle ready for slaughter havedrugs withdrawn from their feed rations in a timely manner, as will beshown.

FIGS. 84A and 84B are a flowchart that illustrates the interactiveprogramming of the computer 2614 for directing the feed truck operatorto deliver the appropriate ration and quantity to each pen. Initially,the host computer 4214 has generated the feed delivery data for each penfrom the assignment data received from the bunk reading. Prior todelivery, the feed delivery data shown in Table I is downloaded into theportable computer 2614 via an I/O port 4014. The present manner oftransfer is the same as in FIG. 81, the difference being that in thisstep feed delivery data is transferred from the host computer 4214 tothe portable computer 2614 prior to the delivery and feed dispensed datais transferred from the portable 2614 to the host computer 4214 afterdelivery.

The operator first proceeds to the mill 8414 for loading the feed truckand calls the program (9014). At the mill, he enters his feed deliverytruck number and operator number (9214, 9414). If the operator is usingan RF receiver 3614 or bar code scanner 3214 to identify the particularfeed bin, he enters a return on the keyboard 2814 to automatically readthe identifying ration number, e.g., “2,” on the bin (9614, 9814).Otherwise, the ration number is entered manually. The operator thenconnects the computer 2614 through its I/O port 4014 to the scale 8214and enters a return to record the empty scale weight (1004, 1024). Thatinformation may be entered manually as well (1004). The operatorproceeds to load the feed truck to the level specified in Table I,provided to him on a printout (1044). The scale is again read todetermine the total weight of feed loaded, either automatically (1064,1084) or manually (1064). At this point, the ration number and the totalration quantity loaded into the truck have been recorded in the computer2614, as well as the ration quantity or amount to be delivered to eachpen in Table I.

The driver then proceeds to the first pen 1214 whose number, a101, isretrieved from the route list produced by the host computer 4214 anddisplayed on the display screen 3014 (1104). Upon arriving at theindicated pen, the driver identifies the pen using a machine (1124,1144) or manually (1124). The computer 2614 in response compares theentered pen number against the pen numbers that are to receive thatration number to determine if the operator has driven to a correct pen(1164). If the two numbers do not match, an alarm is given (1184). Theoperator is then asked via the screen 3014 if dispensing feed for thatpen should be aborted (1204). An affirmative answer aborts the feedingat the pen, and the screen 3014 directs the driver to proceed to thenext pen. The operator gives a negative answer to override and dispensethe feed. The computer then determines if there is a feed withdrawalproblem, as described (1224). As before, an alarm is given if apotential problem exists (1244) and the operator is given the chance toabort the pen feeding (1264).

Immediately before the operator proceeds to dispensing the feed, thescale is again read manually or automatically (1284, 1304). The computer2614 then displays on the screen 3044 the target weight for the truckoperator (1324). The operator dispenses feed (1344), with the computer2614 monitoring the scale weight as the weight dispensed approaches thedesired ration quantity for the feed bunk. The operator is notified byalarm or otherwise when the dispensed quantity is close to the desiredquantity, such as within a hundred pounds (1364). Once the rationquantity for the pen has been dispensed, the operator enters theremaining scale weight into the computer (1384) to confirm the quantity.This entry can be made manually or automatically (1404).

The program then checks to determine if the delivery route is finished(1424). If not, the driver is prompted to proceed to the next pen andits number is displayed (1104). The program continues until each pen onthe route has received its ration quantity (1444).

On returning to the host computer, the portable computer 2614 is takenfrom the feed truck 8014 and the data and actual feed dispensed istransferred from the computer 2614 to the host computer 4214. This datais used to charge feed costs to the lot owners whose cattle arecontained in the pens. An example of data generated by host computer4214 after comparing the feed delivery data against the feed dispenseddata is shown in Table II.

TABLE II FEED TRUCK NO. 1 REPORT Pen Ration Ordered Fed Diff Date Timea101 2 500 505 5 1/21 5:17 PM F106 2 2000 1998 −2 1/21 5:19 PM k111 23000 3002 2 1/21 5:20 PM

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thedisclosed invention may be applied, it should be recognized that theillustrated embodiments are only preferred examples of the invention andshould not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, thescope of the invention is defined by the following claims. We thereforeclaim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit ofthese claims.

1. A method for managing at least one animal, comprising: receiving alive animal at a feedlot; entering into a computer system informationrelating to the animal, wherein the computer system comprises a feedlotbusiness system (FBS) computer capable of performing accountingfunctions and passing data back and forth between the FBS computer andone or more various computers used in the computer system; measuring theanimal at a processing location and entering first measurementcharacteristic data into the computer system including at least weight;associating the first measurement data with a unique identifier for theanimal in the computer system; imaging at least one lung of the animalto produce a first image and determine a degree of respiratory damage inthe animal; comparing the first image to at least one other lung imageto determine whether the first image indicates active or past disease;assigning the animal a respiratory damage designation corresponding tothe animal's degree of respiratory damage; recording the respiratorydamage designation in an electronic database; associating therespiratory damage designation with the unique identifier for the animalin the computer system; determining in the computer system, from atleast in part the first measurement characteristic data and therespiratory damage designation, a projected condition for the animal;and selecting at least one aspect of treatment, care, and/or dispositionof the animal based on the respiratory damage designation and whetherthe first image indicates active or past disease.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising performing an auditoryevaluation of internal tissue characteristics.
 3. The method of claim 1where at least one of the one or more various computers is at a locationremote from the FBS computer.
 4. The method according to claim 1 wherethe computer system further comprises a computerized animal druginventory control and animal health history and drug treatment system, acomputerized feed additive delivery system, a computerized bunk readersystem, or each and every combination thereof.
 5. The method of claim 4further comprising receiving and storing data from the computerizedanimal drug inventory control and animal health history and drugtreatment system, the computerized feed additive delivery system, thecomputerized bunk reader system, or each and every combination thereof.6. The method of claim 5 where the data includes drug usage information,feed ration usage information, feed additive usage information, or eachand every combination thereof.
 7. The method of claim 5 where the FBScomputer is capable of receiving and storing data concerning an amountof feed ration delivered to at least one or more feed pens from thecomputerized bunk reader system.
 8. The method according to claim 4where the FBS computer further comprises the animal drug inventorycontrol, animal health history and drug treatment system, the feedadditive delivery system, the bunk reader system, or a combination ofsuch systems.
 9. The method according to claim 4 where each of the FBScomputer and the computerized animal drug inventory control, animalhealth history and drug treatment system, the computerized feed additivedelivery system, and the computerized bunk reader system is a separatecomputer in communication with one another.
 10. The method according toclaim 4 where the FBS computer records and stores data from thecomputerized feed additive delivery system and utilizes such informationto calculate a cost of production and feed additive costs for theanimal.
 11. The method according to claim 4 where selecting at least oneaspect of treatment, care, and/or disposition of the animal comprises:determining in the computer system for the animal a projected feedintake, a projected gain and an estimated time required to reach theprojected condition, from at least in part the first measurementcharacteristic data, the respiratory damage designation, the projectedcondition, feed ration information, and if used, growth promotants; anddirecting the animal to a feed pen and there feeding the animal with asort group of animals for a feeding period.
 12. The method according toclaim 11, further comprising: measuring and recording at least onephysical characteristic of the animal in a subsequent measuring step,including at least a second weight measurement, and matching secondmeasurement data with the animal's unique identifier and with the firstmeasurement data; determining in the computer system performancecharacteristics for the animal, based at least in part on the first andsecond measurement data; and re-sorting the animal into one of multiplesort groups of animals based at least in part on the performancecharacteristics and the respiratory damage designation.
 13. The methodof claim 12 where the animal is re-sorted into a salvage group andremoved from the feedlot.
 14. The method according to claim 11, furthercomprising: administering a feed additive growth promotant to the sortgroup based at least in part on an estimated time required to reach aprojected condition for the sort group; dispensing the feed additivegrowth promotant into a feed ration by the computerized feed additivedelivery system for administering the feed additive growth promotant tothe sort group; and dispensing the feed additive growth promotant at adetermined time prior to shipment of the sort group from the feedlot forsubstantially optimizing economic value for the sort group.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14 where the feed additive growth promotant isselected from a group of growth promotants including ionophores.
 16. Themethod according to claim 14 further comprising discontinuing dispensingthe feed additive growth promotant into the feed ration for the sortgroup to provide a withdrawal period for the feed additive growthpromotant.
 17. The method according to claim 1 where the projectedcondition includes a projected weight gain and selecting at least oneaspect of the treatment, care or disposition of the animal comprisesselecting the amount or type of feed provided to the animal.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 where the type of feed is a weight maintenance diet.19. The method of claim 1, further comprising imaging the animal's lungsat another time during the animal's lifecycle to provide a second lungimage.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising comparing thesecond lung image to the first lung image.
 21. The method of claim 1where selecting at least one aspect of the care, treatment, ordisposition of the animal comprises determining whether or not to treatthe animal for a respiratory illness diagnosed after assigning therespiratory damage designation.
 22. The method of claim 21 wheredetermining whether to treat the animal comprises determining whether ornot to administer a drug to the animal.
 23. The method of claim 22,further comprising: administering the drug to the animal; and adjustingthe estimated time required to reach the projected condition based upona drug withdrawal period for the drug prior to selecting the animal fora sort group.
 24. The method of claim 1 where selecting at least oneaspect of the care, treatment, or disposition of the animal comprisesselecting how long the animal should remain at the feedlot prior toslaughter.
 25. The method of claim 24 where the animal is sent toslaughter without spending any time at the feedlot.
 26. The method ofclaim 1 where selecting at least one aspect of the care, treatment, ordisposition of the animal comprises providing the respiratory damagedesignation to a buyer to aid the buyer in a decision regardingpurchasing the animal.
 27. The method of claim 1, further comprising:entering into the computer system location data for the animal for alocation or locations occupied by the animal; enabling confidentialinformation to be filtered from data in the computer system, where theconfidential information includes at least a previous locationidentifier; and generating a filtered record for the animal thatincludes the animal's respiratory damage designation, a locationidentifier for a present location of the animal, and that the animaloccupied a previous location without disclosing the previous locationidentifier.
 28. The method of claim 27 further comprising entering intothe computer system data for animals commingled from differentlocations.
 29. The method of claim 28 further comprising identifying inthe computer system a subsequently identified animal that shared alocation with the animal.
 30. The method of claim 27, furthercomprising: requesting a trace report from a data trustee upondiscovering the animal has active respiratory disease; generating atrace report that filters confidential information; and identifyinglocations of identified animals that have commingled with the animal.31. The method of claim 30 further comprising implementing a treatmentstrategy for the identified animals that commingled with the animal withactive respiratory disease.
 32. The method of claim 31 where thetreatment strategy comprises treating the respiratory disease,quarantining the identified animals, slaughtering the identifiedanimals, or a combination thereof.